Please attribute to Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird:
Police accepts the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report that found it was reasonable for an officer to fire shots at a driver who repeatedly drove towards and reversed at him in the Coromandel in August 2017.
The IPCA found the officer was justified in arming himself and in firing shots in self-defence.
This was a fast and evolving situation in which the officer made judgement calls that were supported by the IPCA.
In their report, the IPCA have reflected the challenging situations officers are put in when protecting the community.
Our officers' safety is paramount and we want all our officers to be safe while they are doing their jobs.
The officer involved was extremely courageous and made all the appropriate notifications while this incident was unfolding.
This was a very traumatic experience for the staff concerned and their colleagues, particularly in Eastern Waikato, who we continue to support.
The report also found the officer should have put on ballistic body armour when arming himself as per Police policy.
All recommendations outlined in the report have been actioned.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre