Since founding Helix Investigations in 2022, we have had a constant stream of people engage with us because the police did not respond to their complaints or because the police's actions were minimal or questionable. These are what we call Gap Investigations. 

As a 35-year veteran of the New Zealand Police, I will not criticise the organisation I spent more than half of my life working for. However, there are occasions when matters need to be investigated because of police actions or inaction. The same can be said of other government agencies that have an investigative function. 

Oversight bodies such as the Independent Police Conduct Authority (the IPCA) and the Office of the Ombudsman determine whether the police or another government agency should or shouldn't have been involved in a matter and whether their behaviour adhered to the Values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, and Empathy. These agencies also experience high workloads and resource constraints. 

A recent example Helix has been involved with includes a significant international fraud matter involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to at least two New Zealand victims and likely millions of dollars of losses worldwide. One of the victims reported the matter to the police, who took a report from them and then filed the matter ‘no further police action’. In this case, through investigation and intelligence-gathering work by Helix, we have provided the police with enough information for them to become engaged. The matter is ongoing. However, when it is resolved, an article will explain the circumstances and outcome of this fascinating case. 

Another case that still hasn't been resolved involves what, on the face of it, appears to be very unprofessional conduct by a group of police officers. To ensure the matter got the traction it needed when a complaint was made to the police by our client, a detailed statement was taken from them, and several documentary exhibits were obtained and assembled in such a manner they were easy to follow. This meant the police were presented with a complaint file ‘tied in a bow’. This made their job easier and increased the likelihood the matter would be properly investigated by police and the IPCA, who are automatically notified when such complaints are made to police. 

The reasons why the police do not investigate some complaints are entirely understandable. The current heavy burden on their resources is well-documented. I am not criticising them as an organisation. “Help me, help you!” is a catch cry in one of my favourite movies, Jerry Maguire. This saying applies to making complaints to, or getting assistance from police or other government agencies. If people approach these agencies, or their oversight body with statements already written, exhibits put together in a logical order, and some intelligence analysis done, then there is a better chance the matter will be picked up by them and investigated. 

Finding the right entry point into the police or government organisation you wish to engage with can sometimes be a challenge; however, with our experience and contacts, this has not been an issue to date. 

Should you or anyone you know have an issue lodged with the police or another government agency and not be satisfied with the outcome, call Helix Investigations for a chat about the facts of the matter and whether or not the outcome or advice you got was correct. With our help, justice can be done.