百春链

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to decision-making in a sexual assault investigation in Palmerston North.?
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The IPCA found that the decision-making was sound, and there was no conflict of interest on the part of any officer involved in the investigation.?
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“Police conducted a thorough investigation in relation to this sexual assault complaint, and the decision not to prosecute was made after a robust examination of the evidence by experienced officers,” says Superintendent Chris de Wattignar, Central District Commander.??
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“At the time the sexual assault complaint was reported to police, we were also alerted to a potential conflict of interest on the part of a senior officer at Palmerston North station, due to a friendship with the alleged offender in this matter.”?
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“We took immediate steps to ensure that officer would not be involved in the investigation in any way.”?
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At the conclusion of the investigation, the detective in charge travelled from Palmerston North to Waikato to meet with the complainant and provide a comprehensive explanation of the decision not to proceed with a prosecution.?
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We note the IPCA’s finding that this meeting should have been followed up with a formal letter outlining the reasons for the decision.?
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ENDS
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Issued by Police Media Centre.?