Southern Police District MEDIA RELEASE - Arrest and Trespass Notices Not Undercover
23 July 2008

The recent arrest and issuing of trespass notices to three University of Otago students was not part of an undercover operation.

Area Commander Dunedin & Clutha, Inspector Dave Campbell, said police received a complaint just after midday on 16 July that people were smoking cannabis on the University of Otago Union lawn. Plain-clothed police officers were sent to investigate. As a result of what they observed uniformed officers were called in to arrest a suspect.

The plain-clothed officers were not working undercover and carried police Identification.

"Plain-clothed officers are often used to carry out observations where police believe criminal activity may be taking place and this policing technique often proves effective," Inspector Campbell said.

Police were only interested in those people who broke the law, he said.

ENDS

Inspector Dave Campbell
Area Commander: Dunedin & Clutha