Fleeing Driver events can be high-risk and fast-paced, exposing staff and the public to significant risk.
New Zealand Police fleeing driver policy prioritises safety over the immediate apprehension of a fleeing driver.
Police’s response to drivers who choose to flee must be justified based on the level of risk they pose that also achieves the safest possible outcome.
During the course of a fleeing driver event, Police work to achieve the safest possible outcome balanced against our policing functions (as stated in the Policing Act 2008). These functions include:
- Keeping the peace
- Maintaining public safety
- Law enforcement
- Crime prevention, and
- Community support and reassurance.
Policy supporting law enforcement and safety
Police partners with Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and the Ministry of Transport to deliver the Road to Zero Strategy for 2020-2030. It sets out our vision for a New Zealand where no one is killed or seriously injured in road crashes.
We are committed to making our roads safer, and a key reason behind regularly reviewing our fleeing driver policy, with the latest released in May 2023.
The decision to flee can have significant and sometimes horrific consequences for Police staff, the public and vehicle occupant(s) (particularly children or young people).
Police’s response to drivers who choose to flee must be justified based on the level of risk they pose that also achieves the safest possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a fleeing driver?
When was the fleeing driver policy last revised?
Why is the fleeing driver policy revised?
What is New Zealand Police’s overall objective in a FLEE event?
Publications
As part of the recommendations from the fleeing driver review ‘Fleeing drivers in New Zealand – a collaborative review of events, practices and procedures’, the Evidence Based Policing Centre was commissioned to do research into the motivations of fleeing drivers.
Reports
Police reports quarterly on our progress against the Fleeing Driver Action Plan from the review ‘Fleeing drivers in New Zealand – a collaborative review of events, practices and procedures’.
Fleeing driver research reports
Research into the motivations of fleeing drivers conducted by the Evidence Based Policing Centre (EBPC).
Fleeing driver news
View news articles pertaining to fleeing drivers