Police encouraged by report on progress of Commission of Inquiry recommendations

Police are encouraged by the second report of the Office of the Auditor General into the implementation of recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry.

The report acknowledges the considerable progress which has been made in a number of areas, including the completion of seven recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry.

"We agree with the Auditor-General's office that implementation of enduring, effective change will require a sustained effort on the part of police over at least the next ten years," says Commissioner Howard Broad.

"We are making good progress thanks to the commitment which has already been demonstrated by staff, but we acknowledge that we are at a critical point in terms of implementation.

"There have already been significant achievements such as revoking the old disciplinary tribunal and implementing a code of conduct, amending the sexual harassment policy, and clarifying inappropriate email and internet use.

"This is a 10 year programme and key recommendations, such as those relating to adult sexual assault training, take time to implement in an organisation as large and dispersed as this one is.

"We've now got a critical mass of trained investigators but the bigger the pool the more sure we can be that all cases will be handled in accordance with the very best of practice.

"We accept that we need constant commitment and visibility among all police staff to ensure cultural changes become firmly established.

"The ongoing review process around this work is instrumental in keeping Police focus on the outcomes.

"A further 13 recommendations are made by this report and we will respond positively to each one of them.

"We will continue to build on our achievements in effecting the cultural changes we need to make, and make the extra effort required to ensure these changes succeed in the long term," says Commissioner Broad.

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