Canterbury Police accept IPCA findings

Tuesday, 20 August 2013 - 1:28pm

Canterbury

Canterbury Police have accepted the findings of the IPCA report into the arrest of Mr John Bennett in December 2011, and say the officer involved has already received additional training in response to the issues raised.

District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles, says the IPCA finding that the arrest and the force used were unjustified raises a number of points that will be considered by the district, which has already completed on its own investigation into the incident.

"One of the officers involved has already received additional training as a result of performance issues raised in our own investigation.

"The IPCA has also raised some additional pertinent points which will be factored into our reviews of future training requirements, but no further disciplinary action will be taken," Superintendent Knowles says.

"While we accept the findings of the IPCA and their reasons for ruling as they have, I am satisfied that the Police investigation into the officers' actions was thorough and comprehensive.

"It must be remembered that the IPCA review of the Police investigation is a separate processes with different parameters, and in this case they have come to a different conclusion.

"The context of this incident is also relevant. Every year on average, Police deal with around 200,000 apprehensions, and officers in the field must often make split-second decisions in fast-moving and often highly volatile circumstances.

"I acknowledge that Mr Bennett feels aggrieved at the treatment he received from Police, and I have met with him to discuss his concerns."

ENDS

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