The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that, on 31 May 2019, Hāwera Police officers failed to seek medical attention for Mr Ball, who died in a Police cell after being placed there while unresponsive. Mr Ball’s cause of death was found to be extremely high levels of codeine and tramadol, and alcohol toxicity. An expert in forensic toxicology says that if medical attention had been given sooner, it is very likely Mr Ball would not have died.
Public Report (PDF 880 KB) Media Statement