Reports on independent investigations 2026

 In a report released today, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the force used to arrest a man in Kaikohe on 17 May 2025 was justified.

In January 2024, a Police officer fabricated a roadside Evidential Breath Test. Rather than conducting a criminal investigation, Police dealt with the matter prematurely as an employment matter without consulting the Authority. They later conducted a criminal investigation.

Public Summary Report (PDF 235 KB)

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Police officer was justified in shooting a man, who was moving away from him but who he believed posed a serious and imminent threat to himself and others. The man was seriously injured but survived. While we ultimately found all the uses of force were justified, we had residual concerns with the way officers handled the situation.

Public report (PDF 673 KB) Media Statement 

At around 3.30am on Monday, 8 September 2025, a Police officer shot and killed Thomas Phillips in the King Country. Police had sought Mr Phillips since December 2021 when he disappeared with his children.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Police motorcycle officer was not justified in pursuing man on a motorcycle in Auckland on the morning of 13 July 2023. The man died when he hit a lamppost in Greenhithe, after being pursued at high speeds for 11km.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the force used by a Police officer involved in arresting a man in Whangārei was unjustified.

Public Report (PDF 582 KB) Media Statement

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police were unjustified in issuing a Police Safety Order (PSO) against a woman in Counties Manukau who was protected by a Temporary Protection Order (TPO). The Authority also found Police failed to serve the TPO in a timely manner.

Public Report (728 KB) Media Statement 

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police in Central District were unjustified and acted unlawfully in issuing a Police Safety Order (PSO) against a father and using it to remove his child from his care.