The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an incident alleging an officer assaulted a 17-year-old rangatahi by punching their head while they were handcuffed.
Police were initially notified of a report of a vehicle doing burnouts. The subject officer saw a vehicle matching the description in the area and signalled for it to stop. The driver fled and was pursued briefly before being abandoned.
The vehicle was seen later by another officer who also signalled for it to stop as it pulled into a driveway. This officer arrested the rangatahi driver who physically resisted while the officer attempted to apply handcuffs. After securing one handcuff, the officer restrained the rangatahi against a fence and called for urgent backup. Two additional officers arrived at the scene, while the arresting officer moved the rangatahi to the bonnet of his vehicle. One of the arriving officers assisted in securing the other handcuff. Although the rangatahi was acting belligerently and moving about the officers deemed the rangatahi was under their control from that point.
As this was happening, the subject officer arrived at the address and made their way to the others. The subject officer then punched the rangatahi once to the back of their head, before pulling the rangatahi’s arms up behind their back. Two of the other officers took hold of the rangatahi and moved them to the Police vehicle to speak with them.
Police considered that there was sufficient evidence to charge the subject officer with assault, but that it was not in the public interest to do so. This assessment included the consideration that the rangatahi and their whānau did not want to proceed with criminal proceedings.
The subject officer resigned during the investigation.
The Authority is satisfied that Police adequately investigated the matter and considers the outcome to be appropriate.
IPCA: 24-23577