The Auckland City District Police commander says he acknowledges the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) finding that an officer trying to effect the arrest of a suspected burglar in December 2014 used excessive force.
Superintendent Richard Chambers says he is satisfied that, although the alleged burglar who repeatedly resisted several officers' attempts to arrest him declined to provide a statement to the Authority, its finding is consistent with the concerns expressed by other attending officers.
"While it's disappointing that one of my staff has been judged by the Authority to have used excessive force during an attempted arrest, I accept that, in all probability, he could have used a less forceful option to ensure the offender complied with the instructions of all officers at the December 29 incident."
Mr Chambers said he noted the Authority's conclusion was reached on the civil standard of the 'balance of probabilities' which had a lower threshold for proof than that required to establish criminal liability.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty/Auckland City District communications manager
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