Police accepts today’s Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) findings in relation to the closure of two out of control parties in Hamilton in January 2015.
The IPCA found that Police were justified in closing down the two parties and that Police took appropriate steps to disperse the crowds of partygoers. The IPCA also found that Police were justified in arresting four people and used reasonable force to carry out those arrests.
Waikato District Commander, Superintendent Bruce Bird, says the Police in attendance on the two nights faced physical and verbal abuse by a large number of intoxicated people, including people who had not even been at the parties.
“In both instances Police had the consent of the occupier to close down the parties and we did so in accordance with our policy around out of control gatherings. I’m pleased that has been recognised by the IPCA’s findings,” says Superintendent Bird.
“In these tense situations we don’t always get it right and we accept the IPCA findings in relation to the use of force used by one of my officers, and the failure to provide a blanket and a phone call to a person in custody. We acknowledge that we made errors but overall, given the complexity of the challenge of managing these volatile situations driven by alcohol, I’m pleased that my staff once again demonstrated high levels of professionalism.”
ENDS
Issued by PNHQ Public Affairs.