Reports on independent investigations 2020

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the Police-led search for two men lost in Tongariro National Park during August and September 2017 was in general run competently and professionally. Police and volunteers were strongly committed to finding the lost men.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that two Police officers were legally justified in shooting at Donald Ineson, who had threatened his wife with a shotgun and hit one of the officers with his car as he fled his home. A bullet fragment struck Mr Ineson, causing a fatal chest injury. Forensic examination was unable to determine which officer fired the fatal shot.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police did not have lawful authority to enter an address and search for a cell phone without a warrant to do so. Uses of force during the arrest of an occupant of the house were unlawful. Additionally, it was unlawful for Police to seize a second cell phone during the search.

Public Report (PDF 418 KB) Media Statement

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a Police officer was legally justified in shooting Graeme Warren in Kurow on 5 December 2019, as he acted to defend both himself and another officer.

Public Report (PDF 577 KB) Media Statement

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a Police officer lied when giving evidence in court in defence of his brother.

Public Report (PDF 428 KB) Media Statement

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that officers did not use excessive force when dealing with a woman whose partner was concerned she was trying to commit suicide. Within the limits of their training, they acted in a way that they thought was necessary to ensure her welfare.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police officers used reasonable force to restrain a man remanded in custody in the Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct Custody Suite. While being restrained, the man lost consciousness.

Public Report (PDF 566 KB) Media Statement

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police had lawful grounds to detain a family during a search in Auckland. However, the length of time the family was held was unreasonable, and the manner of their detention was unlawful.