Police notes the decision of the Court today in lifting name suppression for five officers directly involved in a dangerous shooting incident in the Bay of Plenty in March 2016.
“As noted in the Court judgment, all five officers and their families are still coming to terms with both the physical and psychological effects of the traumatic events of 9 and 10 March, 2016, which still remain raw and very real,” says Inspector Kevin Taylor, Bay of Plenty Operations Support Manager. “Police is continuing to support them and their families as they recover.”
Four of the officers involved were wounded in the line of duty during the incident. One of the wounded officers is still recovering from his injuries, while the four others are now back at work, with two on light duties.
“All the officers are hugely grateful for the many messages of support from the community and across New Zealand that they have received since this incident,” Mr Taylor says.
“While they understand the public and media interest in these events, and respect the decision of the court, they wish to make it very clear to all media that they and their families do not wish to be interviewed or approached for comment at what continues to be a very difficult time.
“They again make an appeal for all media organisations to please show restraint and respect their privacy, as they just want to focus on recovering and getting on with their jobs, while sparing their children and other family members from further media scrutiny.
“Also given that there are a large number of ongoing investigations into these events, including live court matters, they consider it is not appropriate to comment further at this time. These respective inquiries will appropriately examine exactly what occurred and the actions of Police staff in detail in the fullness of time, and need to be allowed to run their course.
“I remain very proud of all five officers and of the many other Police staff that put themselves at risk to keep the community safe during this incident, and as the court has acknowledged, who did their duty on the public’s behalf in what was a very dangerous and volatile situation.
“In the meantime, the Police family will continue to support all of the officers as they recover and rebuild their lives.”
ENDS
Media please note there will be no interviews or further comment provided relating to these matters.
Issued by NZ Police Media Centre.