A female remand prisoner, who was being held in the Auckland Central Police Station cells, has alleged that she was raped by a contractor while he was working in there on Tuesday morning.
The woman told detectives she was raped around 9:45am.
She had been brought into the cells on Monday afternoon but more details (age/charges) won’t be released so as she can’t be identified.
After an investigation by the Auckland City Police CIU a 18 year old man was charged with unlawful sexual connection.
He appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday and was granted interim name suppression. His occupation cannot be released because of the suppression order. (He’s the only male who does this particular work at the Auckland Central Police Station.)
The circumstances surrounding how a lone male was working unsupervised in the female wing cannot be discussed at this time, as that information will be given in evidence.
However, Acting District Commander, Detective Superintendent, Gavin Jones has ordered an internal inquiry into the processes and protocols in the cell block including whether there were any system failures.
That investigation will be headed by Professional Standards Manager, Inspector, Jon Moss.
Det Supt Jones has also directed that no male ‘sworn, non-sworn or contractor’ can go into the female wing without supervision.
This is a long standing protocol applying to employees of NZ Police. Det Supt Jones has made it clear that it also applies to contractors.
Issued by Andi Devlin
Auckland City Police
0274-951-589