Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority in relation to the actions of two officers during an arrest.

On 17 September 2023, Police approached a man (identified only as Mr X) who was sitting in the drivers seat, to request his name and address.

One of the officers reached into the vehicle to remove the car keys from the ignition.

Mr X has tried to stop the officer, resulting in an altercation ending in his arrest.

The IPCA found the officers were justified in speaking to Mr X and requesting his details, and their use of force during the altercation was justified as self-defence.

However, the Authority found that Police were not justified in removing the keys under the Land Transport Act 1998.

Acting Waikato District Commander Superintendent Scott Gemmell say Police investigated and self-referred the matter to the IPCA.

“Our staff experience unpredictable behaviour from people we encounter every day, and the officers made decisions and acted based on the circumstances as the incident unfolded.”

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