Police interview former sergeant

Press, 15 February 1986, Page 1

Police interview former sergeant

By

PETER COMER

The former police sergeant who told “The Press” on Wednesday that unofficial police use of the Wanganui computer is widespread was interviewed by a senior detective in Christchurch last evening. The former policeman, who still wishes to remain anonymous, said that he had talked at his home with Detective Chief Inspector Neville Stokes, of the Christchurch C. 1.8. “I expressed my views to Mr Stokes,” he said. "I hope that what I told him will assist the police in any inquiries that they might want to make.” The man said he had been surprised, at the re-

action ‘ throughout New ’ Zealand ; to his assertions about alleged misuse of the Wanganui computer. They attracted wide publicity and comments from politicians and senior policemen. He had said that unofficial use of the computer ranged from finding out the names of attractive women seen in cars to supplying Information to vehicle repossession agents. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Malcolm Churches, said he was disappointed that a sergeant “who seemed to. have been lax as a supervisor should now -anony-. mously swipe at the system.” -

The former sergeant said last evening that he stood by his comments about misuse of the computer.

What he had told Mr Stokes, and his record of police service, should prove that he had been a good policeman. The main point of his speaking out, he said, had been that it was unfair to penalise one or two officers when the system was prone to abuse by many.

Top level police reaction to his comments had been predictable, he said.

He would assist any inquiry.

Mr Stokes confirmed last evening that he had made inquiries to identify, the former sergeant.

“I interviewed him in an attempt to ascertain specific instances (of misuse of the computer) which could be investigated.

“He was unable to provide details, but inquiries into possible breaches will continue.” Mr Stokes said that in fairness to other retired officers in Christchurch, he wanted to make it clear that the man had not been serving in Christchurch when he left the police.