Police Commissioner Mike Bush is coming clean to the public and admitting a 34-year-old drink drive conviction.
Mike says he is waiving his right to be covered by the Clean Slate Act to a third party, to disclose the conviction.
He wants to do this to provide context to a response he provided to the media that is likely to receive some attention.
'New Zealand Police was recently asked by media whether I have any convictions. I have replied today saying that while police is not permitted to pass on details covered by the Clean Slate Act to a third party, I am waiving my right, to disclose a conviction for drink-driving.
'The incident happened 34 years ago while I was an off-duty detective constable in Auckland in 1983.
'I was 23 years old at the time and had been in police for five years.”
Mike pleaded guilty and was convicted.
He received a $250 fine and was disqualified from driving for six months.
'I didn't lose my job at the time because it wasn't until 1991– eight years after it happened – that the then Commissioner of Police made it clear that subsequent drink-drive convictions for a police officer could place their career in jeopardy.
'It was extremely poor judgement by me 34 years ago, for which I am sorry.
'I make no excuses. It is something I deeply regret and have reflected on ever since,” says the current Police Commissioner.
'My name and occupation were reported in an Auckland newspaper at the time, as was standard for drink-driving cases back then.
'Many of my colleagues and friends are aware of it, and it was disclosed to the State Services Commission as part of the process for appointing me Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner. I have always been prepared to talk about it if asked.”
Mike says there has been a significant change to New Zealand's attitude and culture regarding drink-driving in the past 34 years, and Police has had a big part to play in driving that change.
'Alcohol plays a significant role in death and injury on our roads, and I am personally committed to doing all I can to prevent the harm it causes.”
4 comments
Typical
Posted on 24-02-2017 12:12 | By maildrop
I'm sure there will be plenty that say "good on you, it was 34 years ago, things were different back then." Afraid not Mike, it was illegal 34 years ago which is why you were taken to court and convicted. Were there any other laws you chose to ignore for which you were not caught? You should have lost your job then. We cannot have Police who choose which laws they abide by.
agree with by maildrop
Posted on 24-02-2017 15:08 | By old trucker
the biggest gang in NZ do what they like, (till its their turn) you are so right,everyone has something behind them no matter what job,gosh riding me old horse nightmare to the movies on a sat,. night having a can on the way,was nothing then,(BUT), never mind 34yrs ago,its to late to bring up the past, how many others in his job will step up like him and say something(,NO ONE)anyway my thoughts only,Thankyou Sunlive,10-4 out.
Thanks Mike Bush
Posted on 24-02-2017 15:48 | By vonnie
unlike the other 2 comments I say thank you for coming clean and admitting to your wrong, I don't want to say what you did 34 years ago was trivial but you paid for your mistake and learnt from it.....I really do wish that the tolerance for drink driving for everyone was zero tho...(forget about cough medicines being an excuse)
With ya Vonnie!!
Posted on 24-02-2017 15:59 | By Jimmy
but who is the little boy in the photo with him?. not our very own " urban terrorist" I hope, if so he should have been sacked for that offence, not a drink driving charge 34 years ago.
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