"I have just returned from overseas and am aware of the commentary about the presence of police at the funeral of Bruce Hutton," says Police Commissioner Peter Marshall.
"Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush attended following a request from the Hutton family.
"It is quite normal for senior police to pay their respects at the funerals of former staff, particularly those who have given long service.
"DC Bush read a range of positive comments from the service file of Bruce Hutton. This included a comment made in 1967 from then Chief Inspector W R Fleming who said "his integrity is beyond reproach".
"This was entirely appropriate given he was speaking to family and mourners who were there to pay their respects.
"It is regrettable that this eulogy has now been used to question the integrity of the review process currently underway.
"This was a difficult situation which required police to balance its obligations to the grieving family of a former member against the wider context.
"I give my absolute reassurance that that our presence at the Bruce Hutton funeral has no bearing on the integrity of the review currently underway.
"The review was established in October 2010 following questions raised by Rochelle Crewe. I am committed to this process being thorough and transparent.
"The review is nearing completion, however it has been a lengthy process as it has involved consideration of some 90,000 pages of documents dating back over 40 years.
"I have also ensured it is being independently reviewed by the highly respected Queens Counsel Mr David Jones to ensure police has done everything it can to answer Rochelle's questions without fear or favour." said Mr Marshall.
Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush adds: "The audience for the eulogy was the grieving family of Bruce Hutton. I never worked with him as he left police two years before I joined. However in this circumstance it was appropriate for me to recognise the service he gave to police from the comments made in his file which dated back to 1956."
END
Media please note police are unable to provide further comment until the review is completed.
Issued by:
Grant Ogilvie
PNHQ media team
04 474 9476