(file image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A police officer who punched a teenager was justified in using force to arrest him, the police watchdog has found.
The 16-year-old youth resisted arrest after failing to stop for a road-side inspection in Tokoroa, in May, 2022.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) said when the officer tried to pull the youth out of the vehicle, he appeared to be reaching for something under his clothing, which later turned out to be a glass bong.
It said the officer feared it may have been a weapon and used two low-force punches to distract him.
The youth was pulled to the ground where he was handcuffed.
A family member complained to the IPCA saying the youth had been beaten by police.
The IPCA found the initial force used in the arrest was justified due to the youth's resistance when being arrested.
IPCA chair Judge Colin Doherty said it was then reasonable for officers to consider the presence of a weapon, which led one officer to deliver the low-force punches.
"We do not usually find it reasonable that officers punch a person in the face, in this case a youth," Doherty said.
"However, this circumstance where the officer had a reasonable belief Mr X was reaching for a weapon, I consider the two restrained punches were justified.''
Bay of Plenty District commander superintendent Tim Anderson said police accepted the findings.
''We trust our officers to make the best decisions possible at the time to ensure people's safety and well-being, and routinely look at what lessons can be learned.''