Police Respond to IPCA Report.

The District Commander of Waitematä Police says he acknowledges and accepts the findings of an IPCA report which has found that there were multiple breaches of policy during a police pursuit in March 2009.

The IPCA has been investigating the fleeing driver incident which left a police officer seriously injured when he was hit by the pursued vehicle. The incident happened on Auckland’s North Shore on 24 March 2009. The injured officer has recovered and returned to full duties.

Superintendent Bill Searle says the IPCA report has made several recommendations which are in progress. These include internal performance measures against several of the officers who took part in the pursuit. A refresher training package on stinger spikes is awaiting endorsement for inclusion in the Police Professional Driver Programme.

“While the Police agree that the uncoordinated actions of the Police staff were a factor, it is important to remember that it was the actions of the fleeing driver that ultimately caused the sequence of events.”

“The fleeing driver was later arrested and charged with no less than six criminal offences. These included Aggravated wounding, Failure to stop or ascertain injury after a crash, Dangerous driving, Failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights, Driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. Three passengers who were in the fleeing vehicle were also charged with serious offences,” Superintendent Searle said.

ENDS

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