Police notified the Authority that officers in Otago had allegedly taken unauthorised passengers in their patrol vehicles on multiple occasions. The Police investigation also considered whether officers had searched the Police database for these members of the public without justification.
The Police investigation found that two officers did drive members of the public in their patrol cars when on duty without getting authorisation. The officers' behaviour breached policy and was below the expected standard of conduct. The investigation also found that the Police database had not been used for unauthorised purposes.
Police took appropriate actions with the officers and reinforced messaging about not taking unauthorised passengers in their vehicles.
The Authority agrees with the findings and outcome.
IPCA: 19-1152