The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that officers used excessive force when they arrested four young people in a stolen car on the Auckland motorway, next to Ellerslie.
During the evening of Monday 7 April 2025, Police in Auckland responded to reports that a group of young people had stolen and were driving a car dangerously. Police knew two of the young people involved and believed it was likely they were carrying weapons.
A pursuit was authorised, as was the laying of spikes, due to the risks presented by the young people.
At about 10pm Police pursued the car onto the motorway and spiked its tyres. Police then forced the car to stop by blocking it in.
When the car stopped, the young people refused to follow Police’s instructions, and officers had to smash the windows of the locked car to pull them out. Each resisted and officers used force to effect their arrests. As a result, the young people received minor injuries including scraps and grazes.
After their arrests, Police discovered that the young people were under the influence of nitrous oxide and had live streamed the incident to family and friends over social media.
During that live stream, three officers could be heard using unprofessional and overly aggressive language. These officers were identified and spoken to by their managers.
Family members complained to the Authority, and we oversaw Police’s investigation into their complaints.
Police concluded the officers’ uses of force were justified and, apart from the poor language, they operated within their policy and best practice. Police were also satisfied that the four young people were treated appropriately while in custody.
We are satisfied with Police’s investigation and agree with the outcomes reached.
IPCA: 25-27333