Civil orders filed against police officer

A police officer charged with accessing an official computer system for dishonest purposes has also had orders filed against him in the High Court.

The Auckland-based officer, who has interim name suppression, is accused of accessing the police’s National Intelligence Application (NIA) for a dishonest purpose.

The NIA stores people’s personal information and criminal histories.

Detective Superintendent Dave Lynch confirmed to Stuff that civil restraining orders had also been issued by the High Court in Auckland, in accordance with the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

The act allows for the forfeiture of assets derived directly or indirectly from significant criminal activity, or which represent the value of a person’s unlawfully derived income.

Lynch confirmed no other police officers were under investigation as part of the inquiry.

‘‘Given both criminal and civil proceedings are before the court, police cannot provide further comment,’’ he said.

The male police officer appeared in the Auckland District Court last week where his lawyer, Paul Barrowclough, sought a continuation of interim name suppression on the basis that discussions with senior police officers were still in ‘‘early stages’’.

Barrowclough also opposed Stuff’s application to access submissions made on behalf of the defendant for name suppression, and the ruling relating to name suppression.

Judge Sarah Flemming granted the continuation of interim name suppression and adjourned the media application until the officer’s next appearance. Police did not oppose the continuation of interim name suppression and Judge Flemming remanded the officer on bail until his next appearance on May 21.