The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into complaints about what happened when they executed a drugs-related search warrant in 2021. Officers also invoked warrantless search powers under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 on discovering boxes of ammunition while executing the search warrant.
The occupants initially refused to come out of the address when directed to by Police, and one challenged the officers to shoot them. When this occupant exited the house, they were arrested and another occupant who tried to intervene was also arrested.
The complaints related to the level of force Police allegedly used, causing serious injuries including a broken hand. It was also alleged Police slammed one occupant’s head against a vehicle. Separately, the owner of this vehicle complained that Police caused damage to a side panel during the incident.
The criminal investigation found that no officer used excessive force during the arrests. In particular, the evidence did not support the allegation that Police broke one occupant’s hand or slammed another occupant’s head into the vehicle.
Police concluded that the damage to the side panel of the vehicle was most likely caused by one of the occupants who resisted Police. While attempting to secure this occupant, officers had held them against the vehicle. The Authority agrees with these findings and conclusions.
The Police investigation also considered the use of the warrantless search powers and concluded they were lawfully invoked. We are satisfied with this conclusion.
For various reasons, some beyond Police’s control, the Police investigation was not timely, and the people involved were not informed of the outcome until April and October this year.
IPCA: 21-9571 & 21-9779