Police disclosed info to spy firm
Police officers were moonlighting for security firms and disclosed information to controversial spy consultants Thompson & Clark, a new report has revealed.
The police carried out an investigation into the force’s interactions with external security consultants – and found around 20 officers may have breached their code of conduct.
It comes hot on the heels of a State Services Commission report which revealed a slew of damning allegations about the cosy relations between the security firm and public servants.
The report identified 16 individuals who revealed information to Thompson & Clark – including the address of a burglary victim and relating to a graffiti investigation on behalf of Auckland City Council and involved young people. And four cases of police officers undertaking unauthorised secondary employment with private security companies, including one officer who was found out when charged with assault.
Three officers were dealt with through an employment process and the fourth officer was referred to the police professional conduct group for further investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement said police interact with external security consultants on ‘‘an almost daily basis’’.
‘‘This can be for a wide range of usually routine reasons, plus on occasion receiving information that may assist police in preventing or detecting offending.
‘‘While the incidents identified in the report are of concern, I am satisfied that they are isolated cases and must be viewed in the context of the 15 years of interactions with external security companies which are considered by the report.’’
The report found the ‘‘vast majority’’ of interactions with security firms were consistent with police policy.