Attribute to Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitemata District Commander:
Police accept the findings of a report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) into a fleeing driver incident where spikes were deployed near Puhoi last year.
On February 28, 2018, Police attempted to pull over a stolen Mazda Demio in Manurewa.
The driver failed to stop for Police and was seen driving erratically and at excessive speeds, running multiple red lights before heading north on State Highway 1.
The driver continued to flee from Police on the Northern Motorway, putting other motorists at risk due to his dangerous manner of driving.
A Police officer who was heading south from Warkworth noted the fleeing driver was heading towards the Johnstone Hill tunnels near Puhoi, where the road becomes a single lane without a median barrier.
The officer was concerned about the potential safety risk to other motorists by the fleeing driver on this section of road, fearing the offender posed a real risk of crashing and causing injury or death.
The officer was given clearance to deploy road spikes and set up on the shoulder of State Highway 1 near the intersection of Billing Road, north of the tunnel exit.
The officer deployed the road spikes as the stolen vehicle approached, however regrettably these were deployed too soon and a Suzuki Swift travelling just ahead of the offending vehicle was also spiked.
The Swift was impacted by the offending vehicle, which continued for a short distance before it crashed at low speed a short time later. The two occupants were apprehended by Police without incident.
The female driver of the Suzuki Swift was pregnant and taken to hospital. Thankfully she was not seriously injured and she was discharged the following day.
The IPCA report found that Police were justified in commencing the pursuit and the authority found that overall, Police complied with policy during the pursuit.
The report also found that road spikes were an appropriate tactical option to stop the fleeing driver. However it states that the Police officer should not have deployed the spikes in this circumstance because they did not undertake an adequate risk assessment and failed to comply with Police policy.
Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitemata District Commander, says Police accept the IPCA’s findings.
“This was a fast-moving and dangerous situation where we had a fleeing driver who was posing serious risk to the safety of other motorists and needed to be stopped.
“Our officers come to work every day to protect the community and keep them safe. This officer’s actions were made in good faith and they acted with the best of intentions.
“However I do acknowledge the officer made errors on this day in the deployment of road spikes and I accept that their actions did not comply with Police policy.
“Police have reviewed this matter to evaluate what learnings can be taken from this incident. An employment investigation was conducted and the officer subsequently received further training around the deployment of road spikes.
“We have also apologised to the victim in this matter and expressed regret over what has taken place, while also offering her victim support.”
Superintendent Hassan says Police also note the IPCA found that Police ensured appropriate and timely medical assistance was provided to the female victim.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police