Police acknowledge and accept an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report that found officers were justified in using force when taking a man into custody in Tairāwhiti.
On 14 December 2024, Police received reports of a man (referred to in the IPCA report as Mr Z) in a stolen ute in Tiniroto. He was believed to be in possession of a firearm.
Police saw the vehicle earlier in the day and the vehicle was signalled to stop, however, Mr Z fled driving in a dangerous manner and a pursuit was abandoned.
Mr Z was later located in the ute parked on the side of the road in Tiniroto.
While being told he was under arrest, Mr Z resisted and was seen to reach over the centre console and into the passenger footwell while kicking out towards the officers.
Officers believed Mr Z was reaching for a firearm, resulting in officers to act and use tasers, the deployment of a Police dog, and strikes and punches to apprehend Mr Z.
After a search of the vehicle, no firearm was located.
An IPCA investigation found the officers were justified in the use of force to take Mr Z into custody, and that overall Police's actions were considered reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb acknowledges the report's findings released today.
"I am proud of our Police Officers for their actions that day, they believed the man posed an imminent threat to them, their fellow officers, and members of the public.
"They took the appropriate steps to control the rapidly evolving situation and made split-second decisions that ensured the safety of everyone within the community."
Mr Z made a full recovery from the injuries sustained during his arrest.
