Cop faces suspension after allegations from women

An Auckland police officer is under investigation and facing suspension following allegations from multiple women of inappropriate behaviour and unwanted attention.

The Herald has learned the officer, based in the Waitemata¯ Police District, was handed a suspension notice this week after numerous accusations were levelled at him.

It is understood police initially started investigating the officer after his ex-girlfriend complained that he had been harassing her with a cellphone.

As his colleagues looked into that complaint, a number of other allegations of inappropriate behaviour with other women he made contact with while on duty reportedly came to light.

The officer was put on restricted duties when the first allegation was made.

The Herald, alerted to the investigation by a source close to the police, has chosen not to publish the officer’s name at this point.

The source did not want the officer’s alleged behaviour to tarnish the rest of the police.

“His behaviour is obviously concerning but any big organisation is going to get some bad eggs that ruin it for everyone else,” he said.

Waitemata¯ District Commander Superintendent Tusha Penny said the initial complaint about the officer was received in late 2017.

She confirmed an internal employment investigation was underway and a separate investigation was also being undertaken to determine whether there was any criminal liability.

“On the face of it, these allegations appear deeply concerning and if found to be proven after a thorough and fair investigation, police will take appropriate action that would reflect the seriousness of these allegations,” Penny said told the Herald.

“The public should be assured that we take any allegation of staff misconduct extremely seriously and I give every assurance that these complaints will be fully investigated.”

She said staff complaints about conduct were investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.