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Home / Investigation Reports & Media / 2022 Summaries of Police Investigations

Use of force allegation – Canterbury District

18 April 2021

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into allegations an officer used excessive force against a woman who was obstructing an arrest. The woman said the officer struck her across the face, knocking her to the ground.

The Police investigation found the officer hit the woman on the face with moderate force while trying to arrest a man who was about to drive off in a stolen car. Police found the officer used reasonable force in the circumstances. Before striking the woman, the officer used verbal communication, tried moving past the woman, and pushed her on the shoulder but she refused to move aside.

The Authority agrees with Police’s findings and outcome.

IPCA: 20-3215

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