A police pursuit that led to a front seat passenger dying in a police chase in Porirua has been found to be justified.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The Independent Police Conduct Authority said the officer who pursued a fleeing vehicle on Titahi Bay Road in May last year was generally following policy.
The authority said that when the officer first spotted the car, he believed the driver's actions were suspicious and police communications advised there were issues with the car.
The pursuit began once the driver failed to stop.
The driver eventually lost control and drove through a fence and into a tree.
The authority found the police's communication followed policy and the officer's speed and driving were appropiate.
It said the only breach was that the officer did not have his siren activated for the entire pursuit.
The driver was sentenced to five years jail in May, for reckless driving causing death.