The Authority oversaw a Police investigation involving a man from Waikato who was unlawfully held in Police custody for 40 hours, due to an error made by the officer who arrested him.
Police found the officer did not check the man's identity thoroughly enough, which was compounded when no further checks of the man's identity were undertaken when he was processed into custody.
Police determined the arresting officer had not followed correct procedure on this occasion. The officer received what the Authority considers was an appropriate sanction, changes have been made to the custody intake practice to ensure that custody unit staff should verify details in future, and Police have also taken action to make amends with the individual involved which included payment of compensation.
The Authority is satisfied with how the Police conducted their investigation and the outcomes they reached.
IPCA: 19-0224