The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that an off-duty officer hit the driver of a vehicle during a confrontation about failing to give way.
The complainant says a vehicle pulled out of a side road and into his path, causing him to brake heavily to avoid a collision. He pulled alongside the vehicle in a nearby driveway to challenge their standard of driving, and the two off-duty officers in the vehicle were aggressive towards him. During a verbal exchange, the complainant says he took a Police ID card that was presented by one of the officers. He complained the officer deliberately hit him in the face when snatching it back.
Police investigated. The off-duty officer who was driving the vehicle says that the road was clear when they pulled out of the side road. Analysis of this section of road indicates that there is limited visibility in both directions. It is therefore possible that the complainant was not visible at the time the officers pulled out.
Both officers stated that the complainant pulled alongside their vehicle as it entered a nearby driveway and his proximity and positioning prevented them from continuing their journey. They also alleged that the complainant made ramming motions towards their vehicle.
After confronting the complainant they identified themselves as Police officers, producing ID cards, but the complainant did not believe them. The complainant allegedly snatched an ID card from one of the officers and refused to return it, claiming it was counterfeit. The officer says they grabbed it out of the complainant’s hand, but no part of their body touched the complainant. They suggested that the lanyard attached to their card may have inadvertently struck the complainant’s face. Of note, nobody, including the complainant’s passenger, saw the officer hit the complainant, who had no visible marks or injuries following the encounter.
The Authority agrees that the off-duty officer’s driving cannot be shown to be at fault. Similarly, there is insufficient evidence to support the assertion that the complainant was assaulted. No further action was taken in respect of this matter.
IPCA: 24-22089