As stated by Central District Commander Superintendent Scott Fraser:
Police accept the findings of an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report which found Police were justified in the use of a dog to detain two youths in New Plymouth in 2021.
On 14 February 2021, Police arrested three youths after they were found attempting to steal a car in New Plymouth.
During the arrest process two of them were bitten after an officer released his dog.
The IPCA found the officer was justified in detaining the group and the use of the dog in the circumstances.
The arrests took place in the context of a large increase in the volume of car thefts in and around New Plymouth.
We trust our officers to make the best decisions possible at the time to ensure people's safety and wellbeing, and routinely look at what lessons can be learned.
We accept and acknowledge these findings.
