Police launch rapid review of 1,000 sexual assault, child abuse cases managed by one senior officer

Police have reopened 54 adult sexual assault and child abuse investigations after concerns about one senior officer triggered a review of close to 1,000 files.

The long-serving senior officer now faces an employment process.

Following questions from Stuff, police have confirmed that concerns were raised in May this year about the officer’s management of one historic case. That initial case sparked a review which initially identified 13 cases as requiring further investigation.

Assistant Commissioner district support Tusha Penny told Stuff in a statement that all those cases have been reassigned and all victims contacted.

She said police then undertook a rapid review of “close to 1,000 files” which were under the oversight of the senior officer when he worked in different locations over a three-year period from May 2023.

That review identified a further 40 cases for re-investigation, bringing the total to 54, including the initial case of concern. “We have engaged external support agencies to offer support to the complainants in these cases,” Penny said.

She said the officer involved is currently subject to an employment process and “the details cannot be discussed”.

Penny said an internal assurance audit of all districts and service centres had confirmed “there were not wider systemic issues”.

Police have self-referred the matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
“We take our commitment to victims seriously and as part of this process, we will be working to further strengthen our processes,” Penny said. “We are working with Oranga Tamariki, IPCA and other agencies, as we progress this matter.”

Penny said while the issue was “extremely concerning” for police, she said it did not reflect the dedication and work of officers across the country.

Chief victims advisor Ruth Money, who has been briefed by police, described it as “a horrific situation”.

“Action wasn’t taken, investigations weren’t undertaken or were completed early. I suspect ultimately it means that victim-survivors haven’t had a voice, haven’t been seen, and haven’t got justice that I believe they were entitled to.”

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