We're not incompetent, cops say

Deputy police commissioner Rob Pope has defended the team investigating the murder of Anan Liu and denied allegations of incompetence being levelled at investigators.

Ms Liu's body was discovered in the boot of a car yesterday afternoon and police have copped extensive criticism for taking two days to search the car, which was parked outside the Mt Roskill home she shared with her husband and three-year-old daughter.

The car was parked outside the house while police were searching the property. The car was not within the police cordon and exposed to public contamination.

Mr Pope said detectives had made "operational judgements" and it was unfair to label the inquiry team "Keystone Cops".

He said there were many "misconceptions" surrounding the time taken by police obtain a search warrant for the car.

Mr Pope said there were legal procedures which had to be followed when seeking a search warrant.

"The investigation is being run by highly skilled and competent officers with considerable experience," he said.

Pre-emptive or unauthorised entry of a vehicle would mean evidence could be regarded as tainted and potentially lost in the event of a prosecution, Mr Pope said.

Auckland lawyer Barry Hart said in terms of searching the car, warrants could be granted by a justice of the peace if police had "reasonable grounds".

- © Fairfax NZ News