Home Contact Us

We are the only NZ Police oversight body

We are not part of the NZ Police

Under law we are fully independent

If you have a complaint about the NZ Police, you can come to us

Mana Whanonga Pirihimana Motuhake

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

Officer unjustified in punching a handcuffed woman in the head

19 October 2022

The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that a Police officer in Counties Manukau unnecessarily punched a detained woman in the head. The officer said he believed the woman was about to assault another officer. However, she was already handcuffed, lying face down on the back seat of a Police car and being restrained by two officers.

Police criminal and employment investigations found the officer’s use of force was excessive and unjustified. Police referred the officer to Te Pae Oranga (Iwi Community Panels) and he completed an employment outcome.

We agree with the Police’s findings and outcomes.

IPCA: 21-7198

MoST Content Management V3.0.9064