Drink-drive police review urged

A leading criminologist is calling for an independent review into how half the police officers prosecuted for drink-driving since 2006 have escaped conviction.

The Dominion Post reported yesterday that just five of 16 police officers prosecuted for drink-driving have been convicted since the beginning of 2006.

The average conviction rate for drink-drivers during the same period was more than 95 per cent, compared with less than 38 per cent for police officers. Included in the figures, provided under the Official Information Act, are three officers with cases still before the courts.

Criminologist Greg Newbold said he was stunned by the figures and felt there should be an investigation to allay the fears of the public.

"If they [the public] think the police are getting away with crimes that the average citizen doesn't get away with, I think it does a lot of damage to the police. It does a lot of damage to the judicial system."

Police Minister Judith Collins said yesterday that she could not comment on the judiciary but "I would expect that each case would be presented to the courts in the same way it would for any other defendant".

Mrs Collins said police officers were expected to abide by the law in "all aspects" of their professional and private lives.

"Drink-driving is a serious, deplorable offence that puts innocent members of the public at risk."

Dr Newbold said care should be taken in interpreting the figures but "on the face of it it's bloody worrying". "If it is the case that the police are getting off more often than citizens, then there needs to be an investigation as to why."

All officers convicted of drink-driving since the beginning of 2006 have resigned. Police have a strict policy that people with convictions cannot work for police.

Detective Sergeant John Gualter was convicted in September of driving from the Police College Bar in Porirua while nearly three times the legal limit. He is still employed by police but faces an employment investigation that could end his 23-year police career.

A spokesman for Justice Minister Simon Power said the minister could not comment because he "certainly doesn't want to be seen to be influencing" the judiciary.

"The minister doesn't comment on sentences."

- © Fairfax NZ News