An investigation is under way after a file containing the name and personal details of a sexual assault victim was left on the dashboard of a police car in Auckland.
Photos taken on Monday of the file in the unmarked police car were sent to The New Zealand Herald.
‘‘The photos below show a detective vehicle which was parked outside [Countdown] Quay St on Monday evening,’’ the sender said.
‘‘Clearly visible on the dash of the vehicle were confidential files which clearly show victim names and address.
The victim’s full name, address, age, date of birth and case number was visible on the front page of the report.
No other pages could be seen.
But the front page also reveals the time, date and location of the alleged assault and that the victim made the initial complaint to a woman working at the public counter of the Auckland City Police Station.
The file was then assigned to a senior detective.
The newspaper has chosen not to name either staff member, as it is unclear who was in possession of the file or left it on the dashboard.
Under New Zealand law, every victim of sexual assault has automatic and permanent name suppression.
Unless they chose to waive that statutory right by applying to the court to have their name published, they can never be identified.
Auckland City District commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus confirmed the incident was under investigation.
‘‘Police are making immediate inquiries into this apparent privacy breach where a file has been left visible in a police car,’’ she said.
‘‘Police are taking this matter very seriously and inquiries are under way to establish exactly what has happened.
‘‘We have spoken with the victim this evening to apologise and will ensure that she is supported.’’
Police Minister Paula Bennett was aware of the incident but could not comment in detail.
‘‘This is an operational matter for police to deal with,’’ she said.
‘‘But I’ve been assured that they’re taking the matter seriously.’’
Victim advocate Ruth Money was outraged at the incident.
‘‘We all work so hard in this space to ensure victims are at the centre of all that we do,’’ she said.
‘‘Victims are why we all do what we do, and then some complete bozo who clearly hasn’t got their brain engaged leaves a file visible like that.
‘‘Is it any wonder advocates like me struggle to get victims to trust that they are safe and in the centre of all processes?’’
A spokesman from the Privacy Commissioner’s Office said the incident was concerning.
‘‘We are certainly concerned about any agency leaving such sensitive information in public view,’’ he said.
‘‘We won’t comment on the specifics of this particular incident because it may well become a complaint to our office, at which point we would look into the detail of the case.’’
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