The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a pursuit and use of road spikes, that occurred in the Bay of Plenty on 7 November 2024. Three people were injured in a head-on collision.
Following an intelligence communication to local frontline Police staff, Police camera operators identified a vehicle of interest in Rotorua. Police had safety concerns for the sole passenger in the car, who was travelling with her ex-partner. From 1:40pm, Police observed the vehicle by way of traffic cameras and patrol cars.
Just after 2pm, a unit initiated a pursuit but this was abandoned within five minutes due to the dangerous manner of driving. Patrol cars continued to keep observations on the vehicle, due to traffic camera blind spots, and attempted to get in front of the vehicle to lay road spikes.
At 2:48pm on Pyes Pa Road, Tauranga, the driver of the vehicle avoided spikes, crossed the centre line and crashed into another vehicle.
The time between the original abandonment of the pursuit and the crash was approximately 34 minutes.
Police identified breaches of policy, including the Urgent Duty Driving and Fleeing Driver policies.
The Authority is satisfied that Police adequately investigated the incident, and undertook appropriate employment processes in respect of seven Police staff involved.
IPCA: 24-25154