Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says NZ Police acknowledges the findings and accepts the recommendations of the Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children.
The Commissioner said he will work alongside Oranga Tamariki chief executive, Amanda Malu, to ensure the recommendations are actioned, especially as they relate to information-sharing and inter-agency cooperation.
“Police acted commendably by making a report of concern to Oranga Tamariki. However, it is clear there were gaps in information-sharing and follow-up discussions,” the Commissioner said.
“That is a joint responsibility, and it is important we get that right.”
He said the Inquiry also made it clear that in the initial stages the Police investigation was not given the focus and resource it required.
“As the Inquiry outlines, Police did put significantly more resource into the investigation once it became apparent how determined Tom Phillips was to remain hidden. It is now clear that should have happened earlier.”
“The issues identified in this report should not detract from the commitment of Police staff who put everything they had into trying to find and safely return the children over nearly four years.
“I am pleased the Inquiry recognised the care, dedication and extensive effort that Police did put into this. It also recognised that, while there were some occasions on which we could have taken steps sooner or acted more quickly, overall we tried every operational tactic available to us.
“We appreciate the acknowledgement of the risks staff faced and the courage shown by Police staff involved in the search and on the night Tom Phillips was shot and the children were safely recovered.”
The Commissioner said he also appreciated the Inquiry’s efforts to understand the challenges Police were confronted with, including the risks faced, working in small and isolated community and the challenges presented by the large, remote and inaccessible search area.
Actions are underway to address the recommendations from the Inquiry, including updating the Child Protection Protocol and the Police Missing Persons policy, he said.
