Police response to West Coast IPCA report

Attributable to Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Tasman District Commander:

Police accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s (IPCA) investigation into the arrests and detention of three individuals in Greymouth on 2 May 2015.

As reflected in the findings of the report Police were not justified in arresting Mr Z, did not follow prescribed custodial management processes, and failed to provide Mr X and Ms Y with timely access to legal advice.

The actions of a number of staff during the day were not in line with Police practice and process.

When Police were made aware of these incidents, Police reviewed the matter and notified the IPCA.

Police found that staff did not follow correct custodial practices on the day.

Therefore, as a result of this review, Police have reiterated correct custodial practices with all staff on the West Coast.

Senior staff have been reminded of their command obligations and a number of changes, including the introduction of a Station Sergeant under a recent restructure, have also been made.

Police are also undertaking an employment relations process in relation to the actions of Officer A.

As this process is confidential between employer and employee, Police are unable to provide any further information.

Police have also spoken with the other officers involved and, where appropriate, have had a professional discussion with those individuals.

With the findings of the IPCA report now available, Police are working to make contact with Mr X, Ms Y and Mr Z to discuss with them the outcome.

Police regret the actions taken by a number of officers on the day.

However, I am confident that appropriate steps have been taken to guard against similar errors in the future.

ENDS

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