Attribute to Superintendent Richard Chambers – District Commander, Auckland City District
Police in Auckland City District have concluded the investigation into the actions of some TV3/MediaWorks staff involved in the purchase of a firearm for a television report broadcast in October 2015.
Police became involved as a result of those staff seeking to surrender a firearm that had been illegally purchased from a licensed Auckland firearms dealer.
The Police investigation focussed on the actions of staff members in the creation of a forged document and the use of the document to obtain a firearm.
Having completed a thorough investigation, an independent review of the case has been undertaken by a Detective Superintendent.
Police have now issued formal warnings to three TV3/MediaWorks staff.
In reaching this decision, the Solicitor-General Prosecution Guidelines were considered, together with independent legal advice.
Police are satisfied that in this instance, there is no evidence that the acquisition of the firearm was for a sinister purpose, a factor which was taken into consideration in reaching this decision.
Police is aware of some commentary suggesting that the television report was in the public interest and should not have been investigated. Police would like to make it clear that for any investigation, public interest considerations are applied at the conclusion of an investigation and in accordance with the Solicitor-General Prosecution Guidelines, when prosecution is being considered. The public interest test does not determine whether Police should commence a criminal investigation or not.
Police view this case as no different to any other matter where criminal offending is disclosed. The circumstances of individual cases are routinely assessed to ensure that an appropriate investigation is initiated.
We would also like to be clear that the freedom of journalists to report on any matter is fully accepted without question by Police. The law, however, applies equally to everyone, including members of the media and Police do not accept that it is appropriate to commit a criminal offence purely to publicise the ease with which something can be done.
The outcome of the investigation has been communicated to the individuals involved and to TV3/MediaWorks, which brings this matter to a conclusion.
END
There will be no further Police comment or interviews on this matter.
Media note: A formal warning does not result in a criminal conviction against an individual. However a record of the warning is held by Police and may be used to determine eligibility for any subsequent warnings, and may also be presented in court during any future court proceedings.