Police are investigating if any of their staff have used external security consultants.
In March, Newshub revealed that investigators from private intelligence security firm Thompson & Clark had been spying on Christchurch quake victims at the request of state-owned insurer Southern Response.
That prompted an investigation by the state services watchdog into the use of external consultants by Government agencies.
- Patrick Gower: Why the Thompson & Clark investigation matters
- $180k of taxpayer money used to spy on Kiwis after Christchurch earthquakes
- PM Jacinda Ardern bans private investigators behind Southern Response spying
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern banned all Government departments from using a firm of private investigators for spying, following the revelations.
But that didn't include use by the police.
Of their own accord, the police have said they are going to launch their own internal investigation.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush says that's because he wants transparency and to have the total trust and confidence of New Zealanders in the force.
Newshub.
