Latest news with #OfficialInformationAct1982
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Scoop
Police Response To IPCA Report Into Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) Interviewing Method
Commissioner Richard Chambers: Police acknowledge and fully accept the findings and recommendations of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into Police's use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) interviewing method. The CIPEM interviewing programme was implemented in 2018 with the knowledge and support of the Police Executive, and the staff involved acted in good faith striving to improve an acknowledged gap in our interviewing capacity. While there are lessons to be learned for Police, the staff involved displayed passion and dedication in working to try to advance difficult and complex cases. Police acknowledge that more support should have been afforded to the officers involved at the time and apologise to the staff involved for not providing that support, particularly during a prolonged period of media reporting. The murder case interview referenced in the IPCA media statement was subject to an independent review, which found that those involved in that interview were not involved in the wider investigation management, including making key decisions relevant to progressing the investigation or prosecution. They were brought in to conduct an interview phase only. In these circumstances, it would be both wrong and unfair for conclusions to be drawn that these staff were to blame for the charges being withdrawn. Consequently, the internal review also focussed on the way the Police lead, review and manage serious crime investigations and an examination of those areas specific to that case. Police are unable to release a full copy of that review as it contains sensitive information that would prejudice further investigation and potential prosecution outcomes. A summary of the review (previously released under the Official Information Act 1982) is provided with this release. Police also commissioned a broad review of interviewing practices across all of Police, which was completed in November 2024. The recommendations of that review and the recommendations of the IPCA review are accepted and are being implemented as a programme of work. A full copy of this review is provided with this release. Police is also establishing a new position, the Manager Investigative Interviewing, to lead this programme of work, as was recommended by the IPCA. Police expect to recruit for this position in coming weeks. Engaging with and interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects is a core policing skill and pivotal to advancing all investigations and other aspects of policing. The Police Executive is committed to ensuring that NZ Police's interviewing training programme is world leading.
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
‘Absolutely no justification': Senior Minister Erica Stanford sent official briefings to personal email account
'Advisable' changes had been made 'to make sure she is managing it better going forward,' he said. 'I am very relaxed about it. The reality is ... she has received unsolicited emails, she has had printing issues, she's had tech issues. She has made changes subsequently. ' But Labour leader Chris Hipkins – the author of that particular part of the 2023 Cabinet Manual that covers personal email and phone use – said technology at Parliament had improved dramatically in recent years and there was 'absolutely no justification' for Stanford's actions. 'As Prime Minister, I changed the Cabinet Manual guidance around the use of personal email accounts to make it clear that ministers shouldn't be doing that. 'The technology in Parliament has improved dramatically in the last few years. There is no longer a need to use personal email accounts, for example, to print documents. The technology is now all fully mobile.' In 2023, a new section was added to the Cabinet Manual to clarify whether ministers can use their personal email and phone numbers. In Labour's first term, former minister Clare Curran admitted to conducting some ministerial business using a Gmail account. It currently sets out rules for using a personal email account while a minister. The new section reads: 'Ministers should not use their personal email account or phone number to conduct ministerial business. 'Where the use of a personal account or phone number for ministerial business is unavoidable (for example, when ministers are travelling and/or have issues accessing their ministerial account) it is important that: (a) information is protected from unauthorised access, use, and disclosure and that classified and personal information is handled appropriately; (b) the minister's office and officials have ready access to relevant information; (c) timely responses can be made to requests for access to that information, for example, under the Official Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 2020; and (d) accurate records can be preserved of ministerial decision-making in line with the Public Records Act 2005 (see also paragraph 8.104).'
