The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into a complaint about a Counties Manukau Police officer who had was allegedly acted unprofessionally during a dispute with a taxi driver over the amount of a fare.
The off-duty officer and a friend had been out socialising. They took a taxi back to the officer’s home. The officer disputed the amount of the fare. While arguing with the driver, the officer produced their Police ID. The driver said the officer threatened to take his licence away and he was afraid this might happen. The officer denied saying this.
Police conducted an employment investigation and did not uphold the allegations against the officer. Despite this finding, Police undertook a confidential employment outcome with the officer.
In our view, the officer’s conduct breached the Police Code of Conduct. While we disagree with Police’s findings, we consider the employment outcome was appropriate in the circumstances.
IPCA: 22-13574