4 Mar 2009

Police boss concerned for officer's welfare

7:29 pm on 4 March 2009

Police Commissioner Howard Broad says he is putting the welfare of a senior officer ahead of revealing details about an alleged drink-drive incident.

The officer, who is on sick leave, refused a breath test at his Wellington home after police traced his vehicle when members of the public raised concerns about him.

Mr Broad told Parliament's Law and Order select committee on Wednesday the officer was within his legal rights to refuse the test and officers did their job properly.

Mr Broad says an employment inquiry followed but he refused to give further details regarding the sick leave the unnamed officer is on.

He says he would normally place maintaining confidence in the police above the interests of a staff member, but he needs to look after the man's welfare.