Police investigating use of security firm

AUCKLAND: New Zealand Police has launched an investigation into the use of external security consultants and how any surveillance undertaken on behalf of the organisation was used.

In June, State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes announced an inquiry into the use by state sector agencies of Aucklandbased private investigation firm Thompson and Clark had been widened to include all government agencies.

Two agencies, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Ministry for Primary Industries, opened investigations of their own after information came to light on the use of Thompson and Clark.

Directorgeneral of security Rebecca Kitteridge launched a probe into the conduct of some SIS staff after correspondence raised concern about bias towards Thompson and Clark.

Police yesterday confirmed their own investigation.

Commissioner Mike Bush said while police were not within the scope of the inquiry for legislative reasons, it was important their actions were open to investigation.

‘‘We recognise public concerns about the use of such consultants by state sector agencies,’’ Mr Bush said.

‘‘Our vision is to have the trust and confidence of all and it is appropriate that police actions in this regard are closely considered to ensure we meet the expectations of the public and our own ethical standards.

‘‘We are committed to ensuring that our investigation is consistent with the intent and purpose of the State Services Commission inquiry.’’

Police will liaise closely with the SSC inquiry team and seek to ensure their own investigation is robust, transparent and conducted with the same rigour as the SSC process.

A senior detective will lead the police investigation, which is due to be completed by the end of October.

Police also released terms of reference for the investigation but said no further comment would be made until the investigation was completed.

Police said without limiting its scope, the investigation would report on whether surveillance activities were undertaken by any external security consultants

on behalf of police and, if so, the nature of any such surveillance and the extent to which police requested it and/or received information.

The investigation will also look at:

A any actions undertaken as a result of information received, any internal or external advice to police relating to or produced as a result of engaging with external security consultants and/or any monitoring undertaken

A governance and reporting mechanisms (or lack thereof) relating to engagement with security consultants

A whether or not, and the extent to which, any matters identified by the investigation may have amounted to a breach of the New Zealand Police Code of Conduct. — NZME