Th4e police sergeant has been reprimanded. Photo: RNZ
A police sergeant has been reprimanded for sending a character reference for a convicted sex offender from his police email address.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority said the officer was supporting the sex offender's bail application to travel overseas for a sports tournament, though the reference was ultimately unnecessary and never reached the Court.
An internal investigation found the sergeant was providing the reference in his capacity as a private citizen, but sent it from his work email.
The authority said that had incorrectly and inappropriately implied his views represented the wider New Zealand Police.
Police found he had breached the code of conduct and undertook "an employment process," which the IPCA said they were satisfied with.
