Police are reviewing more adult sexual assault and child protection investigations, RNZ can reveal.
They are separate to the more than 50 cases of child protection complaints and adult sexual assaults re-opened after concerns were raised in May about Detective Inspector Kevan Verry’s handling of a historical case in Northland.
Assistant Commissioner Investigations Corrie Parnell said police understood the re-investigation of those cases would likely raise questions from other victims around the country “as these cases involve serious crimes that have profound impacts on the victims”.
“Alongside the re-investigation and systems review phases that are ongoing, Police have an independent team of experienced investigation staff sitting at a national level who will triage any cases that victims or advocates might bring forward to Police.”
The team’s role would be to “triage and assess” any matters and what further action may be appropriate.
“We are currently reviewing a small number of other cases from around the country not related to the original group of files”
In relation to the systems review phase, Parnell said police were convening a working group to carry out the work.
“This will be overseen by an experienced Police Leader who has a wealth of experience in this field of investigation.
“The Working Group will review what led to the situation, now named Operation Hark, and ensure that Adult Sexual Assault (ASA) and Child Protection (CP) systems are strengthened. The terms of reference for the systems review is being finalised.”
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