Auckland City Police say the mix of being an unlicensed, young and inexperienced driver who chose to speed in a stolen car on city streets at 2.20 in the morning, then to flee from Police, was surely a recipe for near disaster in Parnell on August 24 last year.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority today released its report into the incident that resulted in serious injuries to the driver and his two 14 year-old passengers when they crashed into a tree at speed.
It has found that the Police actions in following the driver were justified but that policy in relation to the complete abandonment of a pursuit was not observed by some officers involved.
Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent George Fraser, says the Authority could not determine whether the driver of the stolen car was even aware of or influenced by the presence, at some distance, of a patrol car which had deactivated lights and sirens in the time leading up to the crash.
"Clearly I accept and take on board the recommendations of the IPCA in relation to this incident and, to that end, the Communications Centre staff have been given additional training to assist them with fleeing driver incidents.
"This training is now routinely delivered on a quarterly basis to all Communications Centre staff. A final decision around the patrol staff involved is yet to be made."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz