The PSA – the union representing the two suspended Auckland probation officers - has called for ‘some basic fairness and
common-sense, particularly from the media’ over the allegations ‘ which are just that – unproven and unsubstantiated.’
The two female officers and the PSA will be ‘vigorously defending the allegations’.
‘We want to make sure they have a fair go and a fair chance to put their case,’ he said.
‘We want a fair and acceptable process of investigation to take place instead of what is amounting to a kangaroo court
and trial by media,’ PSA organiser Alan Ware said.
‘These woman naturally feel harassed and vulnerable. It is a sad time when that these workers have had to virtually hide
in their homes away from media intrusion.
‘I honestly don’t think anyone believes this should be happening here,’ Ware said.
‘Sex and drugs sell newspapers, of course, but there is the issue of the damage this sort of airing of unproven
allegations can do to the people concerned.
‘When the media have long dropped off from this the PSA will be having to work hard to rebuild relationships and repair
the damage done through this public spectacle,’ he said.
For further comment please call Alan Ware on 025 306702
or the PSA media person Colin Williams on 04 –9172039 or 025 575839