Bikers collide with Police car in Buller Gorge (1 December)

[spudchucka]

Impressions can often be deceiving. The reason that it takes them longer to lay the charges is that they are investigating to a much higher level when the alleged offender is a cop.

[Jantar]

... they are investigating to a much higher level when the alleged offender is a cop.

There are many of us who wish that the investigation to a much higher level also occured when we are charged with some offenses.

[spudchucka]

There are many of us who wish that the investigation to a much higher level also occured when we are charged with some offenses.

Sure that's accepted but if you look at the motorcade incident as an example it was a case where they charged the drivers with dangerous driving yet it was investigated by a group of inspectors and superintendents.

That level of investigation of a straight forward dangerous driving charge in any other circumstances would be labelled as being over zealous.

[Nasty]

Finally some charges ... and they actually charged the cop!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4335673a10.html

[janno]

Yes, sounds like things are moving in the right direction.

From his Wellington Hospital bed at the weekend, Russell said police had found neither motorcyclist was at fault.

"It's great news and police seem to be taking an ethical approach to the investigation."

Anyone know these guys and been to see them. Ward numbers? It'd be quite nice to send them a card since they're in hosp over the silly season. Can someone give me postage details?

[MSTRS:Me]

Impressions can often be deceiving. The reason that it takes them longer to lay the charges is that they are investigating to a much higher level when the alleged offender is a cop.

There are many of us who wish that the investigation to a much higher level also occured when we are charged with some offenses.

If that had been a member of the public, the ink on the ticket would have been dry before the car's engine was cold. The inference being that the party was known to be in the wrong from the get go, and that guilt or otherwise would be determined by the court.
I realise that things are different when cops are involved, but really, it is as simple as above.

[spudchucka]

it is as simple as above.

Not when the prosecuting agency is also your employer.

[Pex Adams]

I personally think its great to see that both riders are really on the improve. Which for everyone concerned is a great christmas present.

I'm sure the officer concerned, is thanking his lucky stars that its only dangerous driving he is being charged for.

[Ozzie]

Good Job!!!!!

[MD]

Anyone know these guys and been to see them. Ward numbers? It'd be quite nice to send them a card since they're in hosp over the silly season. Can someone give me postage details?

I have posted some updates on the Guys conditions through this thread. I have told them about the get well wishes from here.
They are in the Orthopaedic Clinic at Wellington Hospital, Newtown and would enjoy getting cards. Names are Brent Russell and marty Collins.

But please, as I mentioned before, if they don't know you from a bar of soap - don't visit them. Donate a bar of soap to charity instead.
Marty is in no shape for visitors and is facing a long recovery and will have permanent disabilities I would guess. He's usually out of it when I have visited (with their Wives permission by the way).

Great news that a decision has finally been made by the Investigator. Sighs of relief all round. No, I haven't received a ticket either as some speculated. How could they issue me one if I was never stopped, and therefore never identified by any means as the rider in question that the Cop was about to follow. * see below.

Sounds like the Investigator was thorough and probably waited to see if Marty could add anything - but he can't remember. There were no visible black rubber skid marks at the crash but apparently the Police can use some special light (I think that's what it was) to detect hard braking. Whatever, they did have an idea on the braking distance of the bikes before impact. They even checked what gears the bikes were in.

Interesting story in the Chch Press the other day about a local Doctor who claimed she would take a private complaint against the Officer if he wasn't found at fault of dangerous driving AND dismissed? Not sure why a Doctor would be on such a crusade? Maybe she attended the accident as well.

* new Police procedure - Followings
I was amused by the District Cops comments on TV that it wasn't a pursuit. He was turning to follow. I guess now that they have high speed pursuit guidelines they will need to draft high speed 'following' guidelines. They will also need to provide HP cars with dictionaries so they can determine during chases whether or not they are doing a 'pursuit ' or a 'following'

[Sanx]

Just out of interest (WT raised this point earlier today) how can the cop be charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing injury? Yes, there were two injuries, but there was only one act of dangerous driving.

[scumdog]

Just out of interest (WT raised this point earlier today) how can the cop be charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing injury? Yes, there were two injuries, but there was only one act of dangerous driving.

I'm only a country oik but we refer to it as "Dangerous Driving causing Injury X 2" - i.e. two injuries.

[ynot slow]

For what it's worth,I naively thought that after an accident there was descretion on the officers front of whether any charges could be layed.

Also correct me but if he is found guilty is that meaning he could loose his job,or is that for dic only,bearing in mind in Taranaki last year?the local community constable was off duty after playing golf,had a few beers and heard of an accident,grabbed his emergency kit(first aid etc)and went to the scene(10km or so)in the Awakino gorge.Once at the scene he was breath tested by an officer there and was over the limit.The guy who died was the guy the cop was drinking with after golf,another couple were badly injured.The cop was charged but got off the charge on special circumstances,much to the annoyance of some.I know people who played golf with him when in another Taranaki town and their views were yep he can partake in a few beers (off duty),but in a small town it's a bit different as the sole officer when is he not on duty?

It does sound like a rule for them and us,mind you we get ticketed on the spot and fight it in court if we believe we are not guilty.

[Patrick]

Dangerous causing injury x 2... Better than most wanted on here... most wanted careless causing injury. Good to see that the bikers remain on the road to recovery and might not get anything more "unpleasant" from the department.

Can guarantee that this investigation left no stone unturned and final decisions went around the bosses offices, something that does not happen to Joe Public.

Quite right about the one act of driving but as two were injured they are seperate charges of the injury to that person as a result of the dangerous driving.

As for the other comments about visual speed, no it is not "accurate." But when your job is being out there looking at 1000's of cars in a 8-10hour shift, each day, every day, it doesn't take too long for your eye to become accustomed as to who to pick out in the traffic... which is why I can get so many with detectors.

Had a radio DJ come out on patrol with me, live on air, and he wanted me to "guess the speed of oncoming cars" then check it against the radar. Was dubious and thought it was a fit up but felt confident enough to give it a go.

Was only a few Kms out each time most within 5 kmph... But hey, it aint accurate...

[Nonbeliever]

it's not the $$ they say, it's the road toll, it's too high.

HAHA as we all know that's a load of shit. FFS TV1 news is uncovering dope dealers selling shit to schoolkids from their front yard while the cops are out getting "crims" that break the law by going 10km faster than they should.

More people die in this country from other preventable causes (smoking etc etc) but they don't outlaw those activities.