The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that a Waikato Police officer deliberately collided with an oncoming fleeing car to halt its progress. It was further alleged that the officer deliberately mislead colleagues to help justify and avoid liability for the collision.
Police initially charged the officer with dangerous driving. The charge was withdrawn following a case review by the Crown, as it was felt that the threshold for dangerous driving was not met.
Police commenced an Employment Investigation at the conclusion of criminal proceedings and found that the officer had breached Police Fleeing Driver policy by performing a non-compliant vehicle stop. The officer was neither qualified nor authorised to use the tactic. The suggestion that the officer had misled colleagues was not substantiated, with witness and scene evidence supporting the officer's account.
The Authority is satisfied with the investigation completed by Police and believes that an appropriate employment outcome was achieved.
IPCA: 23-20172