Bay of Plenty Police accepts the findings of an Independent Police Conduct Authority report into the detention and restraint of a teenager in Taupo.
The 15-year-old boy was one of two teenagers reported as acting suspiciously in Taupo on 21 November, 2014. Police attempted to return the boys home for their safety but one refused to co-operate giving false address details, so the boy was transported to Taupo Police Station.
Following the incident one of the two officers raised concern with a supervisor about the actions of the other officer during the detention. Police formally reported the matter.
The IPCA found that the officers were justified in detaining the boy and were justified in using reasonable force to restrain him in the vehicle after he produced a can of alcohol that could have been used as a weapon. However, the IPCA concluded that excessive force was used at the police station which escalated rather than resolved the situation.
Area Commander for Taupo, Inspector Warwick Morehu, said: “We encourage our staff to speak up if they have concerns and this demonstrates that Police will take action to question and improve its own processes; even when the individual involved makes no complaint and suffers no injury.
“This matter is now the subject of an employment enquiry under the Police Code of Conduct and therefore we are unable to provide further comment.”
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Issued by Kim Perks, Bay of Plenty Communications Manager.