PROBATION OFFICERS ACCUSED IN SEX, COCAINE SCANDALS

Sex and drugs allegations have rocked the probation service, with two
officers suspended and a third sacked.

Two female probation officers allegedly involved in a
drugs-for-favours scandal have been suspended, and a male officer was
sacked after separate sex accusations.

The women, who work for the Community Probation Service in Auckland,
were suspended late last week after allegations that they traded soft
offender reports for drugs.

One also allegedly used cocaine in her office with a female
offender.

In another incident a former male probation officer, also based in
Auckland, was having sex with at least one - and possibly several -
young male clients.

Gordon Attwood, the service's northern regional manager, confirmed
last night that the service investigated the allegations against the
man, but he left his job before the inquiry was completed.

"Last year, we did receive unsubstantiated allegations of that nature
which would amount to a breach of our code of conduct. So we
instigated an investigation, which we were unable to complete because
he left our employment. At this stage, the allegations are neither
proven nor disproven."

The man's employment was "terminated," Mr Attwood said. It is
understood he was dismissed for absenteeism after failing to turn up
for work.

Mr Attwood said the two women - from the Otahuhu and Panmure offices -
were being investigated for "inappropriate dealings with offenders."

The Herald understands that one agreed to write a favourable report
for a woman facing a prison sentence after a drug conviction.

The second officer assessed the woman's suitability for a
non-custodial drug programme.

But the woman received a prison sentence, and later wrote to the
Department of Corrections about the officers.

She allegedly included a description of the inside of the first
officer's home, and described how the pair snorted cocaine in the
woman's office.

One of the officers was also alleged to have been involved in cannabis
dealing.

Mr Attwood refused to comment on the claims as they were being
investigated.