Shock at ex-top cop's new ethics role

A former top cop has denied committing any crimes or breaching his employment contract as the policewoman he had an affair with speaks out.

Jon Moss, a police officer for 25 years, resigned as the national manager of professional standards in September after failing to disclose he had an affair with a junior colleague.

The ex-superintendent was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing at the time but left the police before an internal conduct inquiry was completed.

He now works as a standards enforcement officer with the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA).

Police Commissioner Howard Broad announced yesterday a new criminal investigation into Mr Moss' behaviour had been launched after an alleged second affair with a high-ranking government official was revealed.

Through his lawyer John Haigh QC, Mr Moss told The New Zealand Herald: "Any allegations that I committed a criminal offence or breached [my] employment contract are false."

Mr Moss also said allegations of stalking or death threats against the woman were untrue.

Former policewoman Katie Scott told The Dominion Post that she was the junior officer who had a "manipulative and isolating" affair with Mr Moss.

Ms Scott said the 4-1/2-year affair with Mr Moss started before she became a policewoman. He had helped recruit her for the force by being a referee.

Ms Scott said she ended the affair and a police human resources general manager had told her police had had to "put a stop" to issues Mr Moss had with another woman before he resigned.

After the internal inquiries into Mr Moss ended with his resignation, police had paid for her considerable medical expenses because she had become "unwell for some time".

Ms Scott said she could not understand why the REAA appointed him as a manager.

Mr Broad said he was advised about the second relationship on Wednesday night and based on what he was told he launched a criminal investigation, headed by assistant commissioner of specialist operations, Grant Nicholls.

"It's a criminal matter, I'll leave it there," Mr Broad said.

The manner in which he was employed by the REAA was a matter for that agency, the police commissioner said.

The REAA is getting an independent legal review into Mr Moss' appointment.

REAA chairwoman Kristy McDonald QC said she had asked Wellington lawyer John Edwards to conduct the review.

REAA spokesman Dan Ormond told NZPA that Mr Moss was staying with the body and would not be stood down or taking leave while the review was conducted.

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