The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a complaint from two members of the public that officers used excessive force during the arrest of a man. They complained that the officers punched and kicked the man multiple times even though he was compliant.

The Police investigation included speaking with the officers involved, the complainants, and other members of the public who witnessed the arrest procedure. Apart from the complainants, all of the people spoken with denied seeing any punching or kicking by the officers and confirmed that the man was aggressive and resisting arrest. The man who was arrested did not respond to a request for a statement.

A recording of the incident by the Police helicopter was reviewed and briefly showed what appeared to be an officer strike the man once in his mid-section. The officer identified in the footage no longer works for Police and was not one of the officers spoken to by the investigator. Police determined the strike was likely used as a distraction while officers attempted to pull the man’s arms out from under him and secure handcuffs.

Police concluded the force used during the arrest procedure was proportionate and justified to overcome the resistance offered by the man. However, their investigation also identified a minor breach in policy as the officers involved did not adequately report the force they used.

The Authority is satisfied with Police’s investigation into this matter and agrees with the outcome reached.

IPCA: 24-24853