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Home / Investigation Reports & Media / 2019-20-summaries-of-police-investigations

Tow company complains about Police actions at heavy vehicle crash scene

7 April 2020

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a complaint about police actions at a heavy vehicle crash. It was alleged that Police had incorrectly overruled the owner's choice of who should tow the disabled truck. The tow truck owner also complained that Police actions at the crash may have impacted on the injured driver.

A logging truck had overturned at the Pokeno exit on SH1 trapping the driver. FENZ, Ambulance and Police attended. FENZ were the lead agency and made the decisions on how and when the driver would be removed. The role of Police was to support FENZ and traffic management.

Police impounded the truck as part of their serious crash investigation. In this situation Police rather than the owner chose which tow company to use. Police complied with policy.

Police acted appropriately and no further action was required.

IPCA: 18-1905

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