Police say they accept an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report that found an off-duty officer used excessive force to apprehend a youth in 2019. Photo: 123rf.com
Police have accepted that an off-duty officer used excessive force while apprehending a 14-year-old three years ago.
An Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into the incident found the officer used excessive force to apprehend the young male after he discovered him stealing items from his residential property in Waitematā about 5pm on 9 July, 2019.
The male left the property on foot and was followed by the officer in his vehicle.
When the officer located the male, an assault took place, which caused the 14-year-old to fall to the ground.
Police responded and a criminal investigation was launched, which subsequently saw the officer charged with injuring with intent to injure.
The charge was dismissed after two hung jury trials.
In its report on the incident, the IPCA said it agreed with the police decision to charge the officer.
Despite the charge being dismissed, it found the officer had used excessive force in apprehending the male.
Waitematā District Commander superintendent Naila Hassan said police acknowledged and accepted the authority's findings.
"We place high expectations on our staff and how they perform their duties, and this includes when they are off duty."
Police had conducted an employment investigation into the matter, she said, which resulted in a finding of serious misconduct.
The officer is no longer employed by NZ Police.