The Police Watchdog has found they failed to act when more than seven new recruits made complaints about a doctor sexually assaulting during medical examinations over a thirteen year period.
The Independent Police conduct authority found the force continued to send recruits to the Medical Officer who examined recruits for nearly 15 years.
It was not until a formal complaint was made 2017 that police launched a criminal investigation.
There was insufficient evidence to lay charges against the doctor but the authority found Police should have investigated the first complaint in 2002 and every subsequent complaint received.
Charlotte Cook hears from Judge Kenneth Johnston and speaks with RNZ reporter Bill Hickman.
