The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Steve Long, has defended a senior Wellington Police officer against political attack by an Opposition MP.
Mr Long said that the attack by Hon Murray McCully , MP on the Wellington Area Controller, Inspector Marty Grenfell, was a slur on a highly respected and professional officer.
"While Mr McCully is reported to have stopped short of levelling serious accusations against Mr Grenfell the inneuendo is in itself denigrating of the Police Officer.
"Inspector Grenfell’s previous secondment as the Police Liaison Officer in the Minister of Police’s Office has absolutely nothing to do with his present responsiblities as Area Controller.
"Police operational independence is paramount in our democracy. The job is hard enough without personal slurs being cast on the professionalism of individual officers."
Deputy Commissioner Long said Police were fortunate to have senior officers of the calibre of Inspector Grenfell.
"Marty’s public silence in the face of this attack should not be misinterpreted. It is merely a further sign of his true professionalism," said Mr Long.