Police accept the findings of an independent Police Conduct Authority inquiry into the arrest of a man in Tauranga. The Authority found that the police were justified in arresting the man and used reasonable force to restrain the man, but did not sufficiently fulfil their duty of care towards the prisoner back at the police station. Police have already taken action to address the concerns raised in the IPCA report.
The man was arrested on 4 September, 2014 when officers attended a report of a fight involving four men. He resisted arrest and continued to be aggressive in the patrol car during the drive to the police station, including biting a police officer puncturing the skin. The man subsequently pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest and assaulting police.
Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton said: “The officers had dealt with a challenging and volatile situation with one officer being assaulted and suffering an injury as a result. However, we accept the IPCA conclusion that a risk assessment needs to be conducted sooner and medical attention sought; not withstanding that he was offered and declined medical assistance. We have debriefed the officers involved and carried out a review and we will look to implement any learnings that come out of that review.”