The Authority oversaw a Police investigation following an allegation that excess force was used to arrest a 16-year-old youth (the complainant) during the early hours of 31 December 2024.
The complainant was part of a large group of intoxicated youths who had gathered in a park in Whangamatā. This group became volatile and congregated in front of a Police cordon when one of them was arrested. The complainant was at the front of the group, which significantly outnumbered Police, and behaved in a manner likely to provoke further disorder.
After being warned, the complainant was arrested and removed from the crowd. They were restrained using an escort hold, but officers transitioned to a front wrist lock when the youth resisted. It was while being restrained in this manner that the youth’s wrist was broken.
The Authority is satisfied that the manual restraints applied to the youth were appropriate and in line with training received by officers. There is no evidence that the force applied exceeded what was reasonable in the circumstances. The youth’s injury was unfortunate but unintended. Police provided appropriate medical care once the injury was discovered.
As the force applied to the youth was deemed to be justified and reasonable, no further action was taken against the officer concerned. The Authority agrees with this outcome.
IPCA: 25-25804 & 25-26658