Unbelievable

the Herald on Sunday reports that police are denying the existence of any documents on the case of a senior police officer suspended after allegations of drunk driving:

Police headquarters have stated that there was no written documentation relating to the incident between key people including Thomas.

[...]

In his written response to the OIA request, police national human resources manager Wayne Annan said specific information about the incident requested by the Herald on Sunday would not be provided because it "does not exist".

In a subsequent phone conversation, Annan said: "The request made was all written communication - there hasn't been any.

So, just to get this straight, we're supposed to believe that:

• A serious allegation was made against a senior employee, but it was not documented;
• That employee was suspended, but they were not informed in writing;
• Police did not seek legal advice on whether the suspension was legal or would violate employment law; and
• The Minister of Police was briefed, but there are no briefing notes.

This is simply unbelievable, even from a mickey mouse organisation like the police. They have been sent an OIA request, and they have outright lied in response. They think they are above the law, that in spite of being listed in the relevant schedule, the law somehow does not apply to them. This is absolutely unacceptable, and heads should roll for it.

It is also absolutely unnecessary. The OIA includes clauses protecting personal privacy and legal professional privilege, which ought to have strong application to an employment matter. If the police wanted to avoid disclosure, they simply could have hidden behind them. Instead, they lied. So they're incompetent as well as unaccountable. Either way, they people responsible are unfit to hold their position, and should be sacked.