Pubdate: Wed, 25 Feb 2004
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2004 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Dave Courtney

SCHOOL CAMP DRUGS CAME FROM POLICE

A police officer has been stood down, pending an internal
investigation into how cannabis was smuggled into a school camp.

The North Canterbury police officer is thought to have failed to
adequately secure cannabis seized from offenders with the result that
some found its way to a school camp.

Nine North Canterbury students were believed to be using the drug on
the school trip. Police became aware of the drug use, after being told
by the school. Once notified, police realised that the cannabis could
have come from a police exhibit.

Canterbury police district commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson
said no suggestion existed that the officer had supplied the cannabis
to the students.

"The officer stored it in a way which was totally inappropriate,"
Manderson said.

"As a result, a police officer has been stood down."

The officer at the centre of the investigation was described as "very
experienced".

Manderson was reluctant to make any more information public as
criminal charges might be laid.

The stood-down officer was facing internal disciplinary charges, while
those involved in taking the cannabis might face criminal charges.

Manderson said a team of officers was involved in both the internal
investigation and the criminal investigation.

Police became aware of the situation late on Monday, and spent most of
yesterday investigating the case, before making their investigation
public.

"We immediately started an inquiry into it," Manderson said.

Anything that impacted on the integrity of the police was "obviously
very disappointing", she said.

"The integrity of the police in Canterbury and across the country is
paramount.

"It is important this (investigation) is done very carefully."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake