The Authority oversaw a Police investigation following an incident where an off-duty officer threw an associate’s hat onto a gas fireplace in a public bar. The hat ignited, causing a member of bar staff to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher. The resulting smoke activated the venue’s fire alarm leading to the premises being evacuated. Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Police responded to the event. The off-duty officer left the venue prior to Police attendance but was identified from CCTV footage.
The venue remained closed after the incident, resulting in a loss of revenue. Customers were also reimbursed for meals that had not been served, and a band was paid in full, despite only playing part of a three-hour set.
Aware that their actions had caused disruption, the officer contacted the venue manager in the days after the event, providing their name and a contact number should the venue manager wish to follow up with them. The officer also made their supervisor aware of what had occurred.
A criminal investigation concluded that the officer’s actions amounted to disorderly behaviour, but that it was not in the public interest to prosecute them. The Authority agreed that an alternative to prosecution was appropriate in the circumstances and is satisfied with the outcome.
Police also completed a confidential employment investigation and determined that the officer’s actions were contrary to Police Values and the Police Code of Conduct. The Authority is also satisfied with the outcome of this process.
IPCA: 24-24259