"Police response to IPCA report on Ashburton incident"

Police acknowledge the findings of an IPCA report into an incident involving a man arrested in Ashburton in July 2017 for driving offences.

The 59-year-old was taken to the Ashburton station.

While at the station the man was restrained by a police officer and unfortunately was injured.

The man was later taken to hospital, both for treatment of his injury and a Police procedure related to his driving.

The focus of the Police investigation was whether the actions of the Police officer were appropriate, reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

The Police investigation found that the officer’s actions did not reach the standards expected by New Zealand Police when caring for people in Police custody.

Police also referred the incident to the IPCA.

“I acknowledge this IPCA report and we will learn from its findings,” says Canterbury District Commander John Price.

“We also acknowledge that the use of force in this incident was not proportionate and that medical assistance was delayed in this instance due to the focus on obtaining an Evidential Breath Test.

“I also note that the man was provided with the appropriate medical assistance once in hospital.

“Our staff are constantly put in difficult situations, and although these dynamic situations can develop in a matter of seconds we expect Police staff to act professionally.

“It is expected at all times our behaviour and actions model Police values.

Unfortunately in this matter, the officer did not and has been held to account.

“The honour to serve and protect our community will remain at the core of our guardianship and we will continue to be the best Police we can be,” says Superintendent Price.

An employment process has been completed and the officer was subjected to an employment investigation under the under the NZ Police Code of Conduct.

At the conclusion of this the officer was returned to frontline duties, but has since resigned from New Zealand Police for unrelated reasons.

ENDS

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