How much did it cost to prosecute Tim Selwyn for sedition? I tried to find out last year, but received only glib bullshit in reply. Now, finally, a followup request has revealed an answer: $4566:
I can advise that approximately 60 hours were spent by Police on depositions and hearings in the district court at a cost of $76.10 per hour. This cost per hour for Police time takes into account costs incurred in investigating and prosecuting any person.
Whether this figure includes the true costs of the investigation - the hours of police time spent following up leads, the time of the prosecutors preparing the case, the cost of forensic examination of the leaflets and Selwyn's computer - is an open question. But its at least a start, and more informative than the police's initial response.
As for why this took so long, it seems the police dispatched the answer in late August last year, but it mysteriously never arrived; they were able to dig it up when I sent in a new request last month.
What did you expect - under this Labour government you will be told the truth when hell freezes over.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't believe that the correct cost from the police either.
Anon: In my experience, most government departments have been exceedingly helpful in responding to OIA requests. Where there are problems, they will call or email requesting clarification or to inform me of any delays. The big exceptions are defence, corrections, and of course the police. And what each of these departments share is an insular attitude and a belief that they are unaccountable to the public of New Zealand. It would be nice if their respective ministers made the effort to correct that view.
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