The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a senior officer improperly involved himself in the prosecution outcome for a man who had been charged with assault in Northland on 14 June 2020.
The officer had a business relationship with the charged man’s father. He actively involved himself in the prosecution process, influencing the prosecutor to withdraw the charge.
The officer breached the conflict of interest policy due to his relationship with the man’s father.
The Authority also found, the prosecuting officer’s assessment of the evidence and his ultimate decision to withdraw the charge were influenced by the senior officer.
Authority Chair, Judge Colin Doherty says “The officer should not have become involved in the prosecution of this case. As a senior officer in the District, he should not have used his position to influence the decision making of other officers. His actions were inappropriate and improper.”