The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that a Police staff member in Wellington had emailed multiple Police documents, including restricted documents, to his personal email address.
Police undertook a criminal investigation under the Authority’s oversight. They interviewed the staff member in relation to misuse of a computer system under the Crimes Act 1961 and the unlawful possession of Police property under the Policing Act 2008. The staff member took accountability for his actions and provided a plausible explanation for the presence of restricted documents in his personal emails.
Following the interview, all emails and documents were located and deleted by Police. No documents had been forwarded to a third party. Police were satisfied there was no criminal intent in the staff member’s actions.
Police did not undertake an employment process as the staff member had resigned shortly after removing the documents and was no longer employed by Police at the time of the investigation.
The Authority is satisfied that Police undertook an appropriate investigation and agrees with the outcome.
IPCA: 24-23437