Police welcome the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) that a police officer’s actions during an incident in Motueka in March 2024 were justified.

Officers were responding to several 111 calls regarding a man presenting a firearm at members of the public.

Tasman District Commander, Superintendent Tracey Thompson, says the officer involved assessed the situation and responded accordingly, to ensure the safety of all who were present.

“The officer involved used his car to mitigate the risk he believed the man presented to his fellow officers and members of the public,” says Superintendent Thompson.

“The information available to the officer from the 111 calls suggested the man was armed with a pistol.”

“The officer therefore believed there was an imminent risk that he, his fellow officers, or members of the public could be shot.”

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