(file image) Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A police officer's use of a police dog to apprehend a 15-year-old was justified, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) says.
In June last year, a member of the public phoned police after hearing a gunshot outside their home in Hamilton.
They provided footage which showed a person firing a shotgun from a silver station wagon.
Police then spotted the car driving at speed a short time later, but the driver fled when asked to pull over.
The car finally came to a stop after driving over road spikes.
Five people got out of the vehicle and ran away. The officer warned them he would release the dog.
The dog was released and bit a 15-year-old male on the arm. He was taken to Waikato Hospital for treatment.
The others then handed themselves in without an issue and the firearm was not found.
IPCA chairperson Judge Kenneth Johnston KC said the officer was justified with their actions.
"In this case, the officers had reason to believe at least one of the occupants of the vehicle was in possession to a firearm.
"The dog handler made a sound assessment of the risks, and releasing the dog was the most appropriate tactical option available to him."
Hamilton city area commander Inspector Will Loughrin agreed with the findings.
"Our staff members made the right tactical decisions in order to bring this incident to a conclusion," Loughrin said.
"There were several elements of risk here, including a firearm and a high-speed fleeing driver event, and appropriate procedure was followed to mitigate those risks, keeping the public and our staff safe."