C.J. & B. E. Watson
12/11/03
Judge I A Borrin
Acting Police Complaints Authority
PO Box 5025
Wellington
Complaint: 03-0700/iab
Dear Sir
I am
in receipt of your letter dated 10/11/03. In it you state that the PCA has no
role in the investigation and prosecution of crime.
While I concede
that your office would have no role in the prosecution of criminal offences
generally, I direct your attention to section 27 of the PCA Act 1988. This
section binds the authority to form an opinion on whether the subject matter of
the complaint was “contrary to law”. It is also open to the authority to
recommend to the Commissioner that disciplinary or criminal proceedings be
considered or instituted against any member of the police.
Your
letter notes that it is my belief that a criminal act has been committed. It is
just that, a belief. I have referred my belief to the authority for
confirmation or otherwise.
Likewise,
it is but my expectation that a prosecution will result from your
investigation. This is but a sign that I might have some small amount of faith
in the role of the PCA.
I resubmit
my complaint and ask that it be investigated by your office.
Yours sincerely
C. J. Watson