The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a complaint alleging that a Police officer assaulted a woman in custody as she was being led into the Kaitaia Police Station in August 2020.
The woman had earlier been arrested in the Kaitaia township and as she was being escorted into the Police station, she alleged she was punched in the face by an officer.
The officer claimed the woman kicked him in the groin as he was leading her into the station and in reaction he pushed her away, unintentionally hitting her in the lip.
The Police investigation found the officer’s use of force was justified and agreed the contact with the woman’s lip was unintentional.
The Authority agrees with the Police outcome and findings.
IPCA: 23-13546