NZ Police accepts the findings of an Independent Police Conduct Authority report released today regarding the initial investigation into the death of Nathan Booker in January 2014.
The report found that Police did not carry out their initial investigation of Nathan’s death adequately and did not comply with Police policy regarding ‘category 2’ homicide investigations.
Nathan, aged 15, died on 10 January 2014 after drowning in a bath at a respite facility. The IPCA investigation followed a complaint from Nathan’s mother, Angela Middlemiss, that Police had not properly investigated her son’s death and had failed to charge the caregiver who left Nathan unattended in the bath.
Central District Commander, Superintendent Sue Schwalger, says that Police has made a number of changes since the investigation into Nathan’s death.
“Nathan’s death was a tragedy and a great loss for his family. Their distress has been exacerbated by the brevity of the initial investigation, and I apologise on behalf of Police for that,” says Superintendent Schwalger.
“It is vital that Police policy regarding investigations into suspicious deaths, or deaths potentially involving criminal culpability, is strictly complied with. I have taken steps in my district to ensure that compliance, and to ensure that all such investigations are overseen by a senior detective.”
“At a national level, all staff have been reminded of the requirements regarding investigation of deaths.”
ENDS
Media contact: Rachel Purdom, Public Affairs PNHQ, 021 908 101.
Note for media: ‘Category 2’ includes murder investigations (where the offender is known or is “likely to be identified in a timely manner”), manslaughter investigations, and serial rape investigations.