The Authority oversaw a Police investigation following notification of an incident that occurred in the Eastern Police District in July 2019. During the event, Police successfully used a tyre deflation device (road spikes) against a vehicle being driven by a high-risk wanted offender. The offender's vehicle was not being pursued by Police at the time.
After being 'spiked', the offending vehicle's speed reduced to 20kph and a Police vehicle was used to nudge it off the road and halt its progress (a tactic known as a non-compliant vehicle stop). The driver fled on foot and was arrested nearby a short time later.
The Authority found that the use of a tyre deflation device outside of a pursuit was appropriate in the circumstances. The Authority also found the non-compliant stop used in this instance was not supported by current Police policy but was a reasonable response given the status of the driver and the risk he was believed to pose.
Police completed an employment investigation. The Authority reviewed the police investigation and agreed with the findings.
IPCA: 19-0075