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Home / Investigation Reports & Media / 2021 Summaries of Police Investigations

Complaint about a use of force in the Christchurch Custody Unit

22 November 2021

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation following a complaint that custody officers used excess force on a woman while moving her to another cell.

The Police investigation established that the woman was asked to move cells because her behaviour was affecting other detainees. When she refused to cooperate, officers physically removed her from the cell. The woman resisted and repeatedly kicked out with her legs. When she kicked a custody officer, officers used force to place her in handcuffs and prevent any further assaults. Once safely restrained, they escorted her to a new cell.

The investigation found the officers used reasonable force in the circumstances. We agreed with the Police findings.

    

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