On the evening of 30 September 2016 a Police officer was on his way to the scene of a vehicle crash, and was undertaking urgent duty driving* through Makikihi, South Canterbury.
After attempting to pass another vehicle on a bridge the officer was involved in a crash with two other vehicles. All three vehicles suffered extensive damage, and the members of the public in the two other cars received mild to moderate injuries. Police began an investigation into the crash and notified the IPCA which decided to oversee the investigation.
As a result of the Police investigation the officer was charged with Careless Driving Causing Injury. A restorative justice process was completed with the victims' involvement, following which the Court dismissed the charge.
A separate Code of Conduct investigation was to take place, however a Police staffing issue resulted in a failure to initiate this within a fair and reasonable time; as such, it could not proceed. The IPCA has been assured that the issue has been addressed and this will not occur again.
*When Police are allowed to exceed the posted speed limit and drive against the flow of traffic. They must abide by relevant law and policy while doing so.
IPCA: 16-0675