Police are saying they acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) over the use of force on a person in the Auckland Police Custody Unit.
On January 18, 2023, police say they arrested a man for breaching bail and took him to the custody unit.
While there, he was transferred to another cell where two police officers have attempted to restrain him on the floor, they say.
“He has subsequently fallen and landed on his head and the IPCA has carried out an investigation after the man complained about his treatment.
“Police began an investigation after being advised of the complaint.
“The authority found that police lawfully arrested Mr X for breaching his bail, but the use of force at the custody unit was unjustified.
“The investigation also concluded that the standard of care provided to Mr X while in custody fell below acceptable levels.
“Police acknowledge these findings.”
Auckland City Police District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel, says police officers have a general duty of care to all people in custody.
Both officers were charged with common assault following the police investigation, however, the matter was later dismissed in the Auckland District Court in late 2024, he says.
“We have since commenced an employment process with those staff members, which remains ongoing.
“Police manage a large number of people in our custody without incident every year, and we continue to take learnings from every interaction,” says Patel.
