Computer ‘misuse’ inquiry under way—Mrs Hercus

Press, 14 February 1986, Page 2

Computer ‘misuse’ inquiry under way—Mrs Hercus

Wellington reporter The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ken Thompson, was “of course” investigating the allegations of police misuse of the Wanganui computer, said the Minister of Police, Mrs Hercus. She said she had asked for his comments when the investigations were complete. Mrs Hercus said she was aware of occasional

incidents of alleged abuse and that these were always investigated and ap-' propriate action always taken. The Opposition spokesman, on justice, Mr Paul East, called, yesterday for an immediate investigation into allegations that police misuse of the computer “happens all the time.” Mr East was commenting on a report in “The

Press” quoting a retired policeman who alleged that police used the computer to find out the names of women seen in cars and to supply information to vehicle repossession agents.

Mr East said the statement had disturbing civil liberties implications and that the Government must ensure that legislative safeguards regarding access to the computer were

complied with. Mrs Hercus said the specified allegations of the retired sergeant could not be checked because he had not been named in the report and because no names had been provided. She was critical of the retired sergeant for apparently not taking steps when in uniform to draw any possible abuses to the attention of his superiors.