The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into collision between an unmarked Police car and a pedestrian in Auckland in June 2024. The incident occurred at about 9.30pm on a wet winter night.
As the officer drove northeast on New North Road they hit a pedestrian with Police car’s wing mirror. The officer stopped to assist, and, together with other officers, gave first aid and preserved the scene of the collision.
The pedestrian was taken to hospital with moderate injuries, including a concussion and facial fractures. They were discharged after three days.
Police investigated, speaking to witnesses and examining photographs of the scene, including the Police car. The pedestrian is transient, and Police could not locate and speak to them about what happened and how they came to be in the road.
Police considered whether the officer had committed the offence of careless driving causing injury. All motorists have a legal obligation to drive with reasonable due care and attention in the circumstances. In this case, the circumstances included the fact it was dark, there was heavy rain, visibility was poor and compromised by glare from the streetlights on the wet road.
The investigation concluded that the officer was not at fault. Evidence indicated that the officer was driving at a reduced speed and was scanning ahead at the time of the collision. Further, it could not be discounted that the pedestrian stepped out into the road in a manner that made the collision unavoidable.
The officer also complied with all policies and the Code of Conduct expectations at the time of and after the collision.
The Authority agreed with the findings and outcome of the investigation.
IPCA: 24-23258