Police response to Commission of Inquiry into Police conduct

Watch the full media conference. Copyright New Zealand Police 2007

Opening statement from Howard Broad, Commissioner of Police

Tuesday 3 April 2007 at 1pm

Opening statement by Commissioner of Police Howard Broad at a media conference, Police National Headquarters, 180 Molesworth Street, Wellington

Let me state at the outset: I accept the Commission of Inquiry's findings in full.

I have made a commitment to the Minister of Police that I will implement all of the 48 recommendations relating directly to Police and will work closely with those implementing the remaining 12 recommendations, relating to the Police Complaints Authority.

My role as Commissioner is to provide the leadership needed to cement this organisation's reputation for performance and integrity. That's a responsibility I'm proud to accept and determined to meet.

Since taking up my appointment, I've looked into the four corners of this organisation. I've seen examples of the most remarkable courage, commitment and dedication, insight, innovation and downright decency that you would ever wish to see.

Members of the public make a point of passing on to me their praise for the work of police officers.

It's that background of high performance and integrity from most of our staff that makes this report such painful reading.

The report illuminates the actions of a very few officers who have behaved disgracefully. Their actions were wrong and contrary to their oath of office.

I find it difficult to express in words my feelings about these people for they have caused immeasurable damage to a number of New Zealanders that they had sworn to protect.

I unreservedly and unequivocally apologise to the women who were caught up in the actions of those few officers. I acknowledge the hurt and harm that's been done and the grief that's been caused to you, your families and supporters.

To the women of New Zealand I say: I have been disgusted and sickened, as you will be, by the behaviour put before the Commission of Inquiry in many of the files that