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

Officer investigated for the force they used against a detainee in Wellington in 2021

23 October 2025

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into the force used by an officer when they moved a detainee from a custody cell through the Police station to the sallyport, so they could be transported to prison.

A criminal investigation found there was sufficient evidence and public interest to charge the officer with impeding the detainee’s breathing. The officer pleaded not guilty to the charge and was subsequently acquitted by jury at trial.

Police also completed a confidential employment investigation. They determined the officer’s actions were not in accordance with Police policy, and found that the officer had engaged in serious misconduct.

The Authority is satisfied that an appropriate employment outcome was imposed.

IPCA: 22-10310

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