The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that an off-duty officer pushed a youth during a dispute at a single vehicle collision.

The person involved in the collision is related to a Police officer and had called him for help. In the meantime, a youth had heard the collision and went to assist. When the officer arrived, he believed the youth was taking photographs of the scene and asked him to stop, which led to a dispute. The officer pushed the youth, whose phone dropped to the floor, damaging it.

The youth told his mother what had happened, who in turn reported the matter to Police. The officer confirmed he had pushed the youth, accepted he caused damage to the youth’s phone and apologised.

Police considered there was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with assault and wilful damage. They instead referred the officer to the Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panel, which he successfully completed. The Authority agreed that an alternative to prosecution was appropriate in the circumstances.

Police subsequently undertook an employment process for the officer, finding that he had breached several aspects of the Police Code of Conduct and Police Values.

The Authority is satisfied with the investigation undertaken and the outcomes reached.

IPCA: 24-24983