Corruption Not Unknown

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 620, 23 March 1929, Page 9

Corruption Not Unknown

POLICE COMMISSION'S OPINION

Important Recommendations

THAT corruption in the Police Force is not unknown, but greatly exaggerated, is a statement made in an additional report issued by the Commission which sat to inquire into police methods, as a result of the conviction of exSeargeant Goddard for accepting bribes from night-clubs. The Commission also makes several important recommendations. (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service)

Reed. 9.42 a.m. LONDON, Friday. AN addition to the Police Commission’s report, which was unanimous, states that there is little evidence of misconduct in investigating offences. There is no evidence of a disposition to trump-up charges. Corruption is not unknown, but is greatly exaggerated. No case has been established of improper or overzealous interference with the public. The Director of Prosecutions does not require a special staff to conduct independent inquiries, the report goes on. Where a policeman is accused of crime, many public complaints should not be directed against the police, but against the laws. The report makes the following recommendations:

Deponents making statements should be given facilities to have relatives present. Persons taken into custody at police stations should be allowed, if practicable, to consult their legal advisers and friends. Uniformed women police should be allowed to do general besides special detective work. Policewomen should take statements from girls and children in sexual cases. According to a message from London yesterday the appeals lodged by Mrs. Meyrick and Luigi Ribuffi against the sentences they received in connection with the charges of bribery of ex-Sergeant Goddard were dismissed.