On 4 November 2024, a Police officer was trying to move an aggressive and intoxicated man from the Auckland City Mission in Grafton. The man refused to leave despite the officer's requests, so the officer placed a hand on his shoulder to guide him along. The man fell, hitting his head on the tarmac surface of the ground. Unfortunately, he was seriously injured and later died in hospital.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority conducted an independent investigation, which included reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.
We concluded that the officer did not use force when placing his hand on the man’s shoulder. The man resisted and pulled away, then lost his balance on the sloping driveway and fell to the ground. We also concluded that the officer's actions were reasonable in the circumstances.
Consequently, we agree with the concurrent Police investigation's recommendation not to initiate any criminal charges against the officer. Additionally, we have no employment concerns in respect of the officer’s actions.