The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that a Northland Police officer assaulted a detainee in the rear of a Police car.
The detainee was the driver of a car that failed to stop for Police and fled on foot. They were handcuffed and placed in the rear of a Police car and transported to Whangārei Custody Unit. Upon arrival, injuries were noted to the detainee’s face. The detainee subsequently told Police that they were the victim of an unprovoked attack by the officer who was sat next to them as they were being transported.
Although they did not witness what occurred, the officer driving the Police car was also concerned that something untoward had happened between the detainee and their colleague and brought this to the attention of a supervisor.
Police completed a criminal investigation into the officer’s conduct, but it was not possible to substantiate the detainee’s account. Their facial injuries may have been sustained at the time of their arrest and prior to being transported to Whangārei Custody Unit. It was also not possible to negate the officer’s claim that the detainee became volatile while being transported and posed a risk to the transporting officers’ safety.
An employment process was also completed and concluded that the officer’s actions were, in the main, reasonable, proportionate and necessary.
The Authority accepts the outcome of the Police investigations and is of the view that an appropriate employment resolution was reached.
IPCA: 24-25208