Police accept findings of pursuit investigation

Police accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority into a pursuit to apprehend three aggravated robbery suspects in a stolen car in Rotorua.

The report released today found that police policy was followed and the staff were justified in their actions.

Police initiated the pursuit on 26 May, 2014 following a report by a member of the public of suspicious activity in Ngongotaha.

The vehicle matched the description of a Mazda stolen two days earlier by a group suspected of committing two aggravated robberies.

When police located the Mazda it failed to stop.

After a prolonged pursuit over 10.8 kilometres, which was abandoned at one stage for public safety reasons, the Mazda was involved in a minor crash with a traffic pole.

All three offenders were arrested a short time later.

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Andy McGregor said: “All pursuits are unpredictable and present staff with a number of challenges.

It is clear from the findings that staff involved in this situation made sound judgement calls to minimise the risk to public safety.

It is a good demonstration of the robustness of police policies on pursuits, and the professionalism of the staff who find themselves in these dynamic situations.”
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