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Mana Whanonga Pirihimana Motuhake

Home / Outcomes / 2018-19 Summaries of Police Investigations

Complaint about excessive force during arrest and failure to provide medical attention while in custody

27 November 2019

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a complaint that an officer in the Eastern District used excessive force during an arrest resulting in a head injury and that correct procedures were not followed while the person was in custody. The investigation found the complainant had been in a physical fight (with other members of the public) before his arrest, and a witness said he saw the complainant being punched in the face.

While Police considered there was not enough evidence to support the allegation Police used excessive force, they did identify several issues about the complainant's time in custody, such as the complainant's injury not being well documented. These issues were addressed with the staff involved and the Authority agreed with the finding and the outcome.

IPCA: 18-1468

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