Auckland City Police have not received any complaints from participants in yesterday's youth wages protest that resulted in two men - a 17 year-old and a 28 year-old - being arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Police strongly refute any claims being publicly aired through media outlets that a man was deliberately assaulted when being arrested after he allegedly climbed onto the front of a mobile ambulance which was on emergency duties.
Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Rob Abbott said the young man was putting himself in danger and appeared to deliberately try and prevent the ambulance crew from continuing with their journey along Queen St.
"Because of the way he vigorously resisted being removed from the ambulance, it took four officers to detain him and take him to a safe place where he was handcuffed. He will appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday to face the charge of disorderly behaviour."
Mr Abbott said there are very good reasons why protest groups are required by by-law to get permits to protest.
"When protest groups act irresponsibly in an ad-hoc manner, they put themselves, other pedestrians and motorists in potentially dangerous situations.
"At one point yesterday, some of these children were running from one scene to another and some tripped and fell. Had a car been unable to stop or had they been trampled by others following them, there could have been some sad repercussions."
He advised anyone who had complaints about Police activities on the day to lodge them with the Police Complaints Authority or with the district's professional standards unit.
"On reflection, my staff managed the situation that unfolded yesterday, professionally and comparatively without incident. Staff were diverted away from their normal duties to attend the protest, but no extra staff were rostered on for the event."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589 Website: www.police.govt.nz