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Mana Whanonga Pirihimana Motuhake

Home / Investigation Reports & Media / 2025-summaries-of-police-investigations

Sergeant failed to appropriately manage a conflict of interest arising from the arrest and processing of his stepson

25 August 2025

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an incident where a sergeant disrupted the arrest process of his stepson.

The stepson was arrested at a Police station and then interviewed by a junior officer. The sergeant stood outside of the interview room and was visible through the window. Following the interview, the sergeant interjected himself in the process by querying whether his stepson’s bail would be opposed and the whereabouts of his personal property. The junior officer repeatedly directed the sergeant to remove himself from the situation, however the sergeant persisted in his efforts over the span of at least an hour.

The Police investigation found that the sergeant’s behaviour amounted to a breach of the Police Code of Conduct. Police subsequently carried out an employment process in relation to the sergeant’s actions.

The Authority is satisfied with the Police investigation and accepts the outcome.

IPCA: 24-24984

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