In response to allegations dating from 1981, Police Commissioner Howard Broad said this afternoon he was living the transition from one era of policing to another.
The Commissioner said he was not in his current position as a "holier than thou" crusader.
Mr Broad said he is embarrassed that a pornographic film containing bestiality was shown at a party held in his house in Dunedin in 1981 without his prior knowledge and permission. He also rejects the allegation by former Sergeant Tom Lewis that that he behaved inappropriately to any women when under the influence of alcohol.
The Commissioner confirmed that a Police Rugby Club fund raising party was held at his place around 1981. About 100 people turned up. Old rugby films were shown in the lounge. Late in the evening while he was elsewhere in the house someone put a pornographic film containing bestiality on the projector.
Mr Broad says that when he was told about it he was annoyed and irritated and said so to members of the Police Rugby club present.
"The fact that I didn't take any further action probably underscores the standards applying at that time. Twenty five years on it is obviously a source of embarrassment having regard to my current position and the context of police leadership today.
"If such behaviour occurred in 2007 I would expect the matter to be reported through to supervisors."
The Commissioner said that he had little to say about the allegations likely to be made in Investigate Magazine attributed to former Detective Sergeant Tom Lewis.
"Others know my true character and I should be judged by facts rather than innuendo."
Mr Broad said he had fully and frankly briefed the Minister of Police on the allegations against him and had also responded fully and in person to the newspaper who first raised the allegations.
"I feel I am experiencing something of the pain the organisation has to live with as we move to a new environment post the Commission of Inquiry's review," said Mr Broad.
The Commissioner said the other wide ranging allegations about police and politicians in "Investigate" magazine defied credulity. They would need full assessment in terms of what action might be required and by whom.