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Mana Whanonga Pirihimana Motuhake

Home / Outcomes / 2019-20-summaries-of-police-investigations

Allegation of excessive use of force - Counties Manukau

30 September 2020

The Authority received a complaint in May 2018 from a male alleging that a Police officer had used excessive force when arresting him and taking him to the Police station, had failed to disclose a requested document and had received judicial criticism during a Court hearing.

Police investigated the matter and found the force used was justified. An officer punched the male twice in the face while they were both in the back seat of the Police car because the male was aggressive and the officer feared that the male would headbutt him. After the punches the male was more subdued and able to be physically restrained by the officer. The document that had been requested did not exist and there had been no judicial criticism of the officer. Therefore, the complaint was not upheld.

Following an independent review of the Police investigation, the Authority agreed with the outcome of the Police investigation.

IPCA: 17-2362

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