Police chief challenges computer use reports

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 25

Police chief challenges computer use reports

PA Auckland Auckland’s police chief, Mr Brian Davies, says newspaper reports of alleged widespread unofficial use of the Wanganui computer by the police need to be backed up by evidence.

He challenged assertions by a former policeman that "the majority” of the police made unofficial use of the computer — particularly to check the names of vehicle owners.

The man resigned after being caught giving Wanganui computer information related to the names of car owners to his brother-in-law. He said he would not name other police whom he had been told used the computer as he did. “I am not going to dob in the guys that I have worked with,” he said. “I know that everyone is using the computer. Since I left the police different people have contacted me and told me thay have done it too.”

An "Auckland Star” editorial had called on the commisioner of police, Mr Ken Thompson, to give an urgent explanation of the assertion. If Mr Thompson were unable to make a denial, the allegation was serious enough to warrant a formal inquiry, the editorial said.

Mr Davies said in a letter to the newspaper: "You now report that the ex-member states other police indulge in similar activity. My question is, what evidence has been provided to support that claim?” “We found none during our intensive investigation of the member, nor was the member able to provide any.” Mr Davies said some evidence to support the allegation should be provided before Mr Thompson was called on to explain.

“The action taken by the police administration indicates quite clearly that alleged breaches of the Wanganui Computer Act are promptly and thoroughly investigated. “The public can be as-

sured that police, staff are well aware of the consequences of breaching the spirit and intent of the Wanganui Computer Act,” he said.

Mr Davies said in the letter that the policeman was suspended after sufficient evidence was unearthed. A District Court prosecution was recommended but the Solicitor-General had declined this action. The policeman resigned before internal disciplinary charges could be brought. The policeman maintains he did nothing wrong by using the Wanganui computer: “I just took a shortcut, that’s all. "I could have gone to the post office, made some inquiries, and got any of the information I wanted.”