Maureen J Anderson wrote to your column [29 October 2010] regarding Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope, being given the job of reviewing the Crewe murder files in response to a request by Rochelle Crewe, to investigate the murders of her parents 40 years ago.
Rob Pope was the area commander and in charge of the Sounds Murders when Ben and Olivia disappeared and are presumed murdered. At the time there were 4 area commanders covering all of the South Island which were to be reduced to 3, which put very real pressure on Rob Pope to make an arrest and ensure his future within the police force.
Sure enough Rob Pope arrested a local thoroughly unlikeable person who no one believes committed this crime, including the parents of Olivia Hope.
Look where Rob Pope ended up as a result of his 'success” in the Sounds Murders investigation - 2nd in charge of police in New Zealand.
Strongly suspect Rob Pope would not want his performance in relation to the Sounds Murders investigated either, so don't expect any 'in-depth investigation” into the Crewe murders as it may set a precedent for the Sounds Murders and open the way for them to be thoroughly investigated too.
Jan Hill, Tauranga.