Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) over the use of force on a male prisoner.

In November 2023, Police staff received a 19-year-old man into custody at the Manukau District Custody Unit.

Mr X began banging his head against a wall after being placed into a holding cell.

Custody staff began to engage with Mr X to get him to stop, which was unsuccessful, and Custody Officer A entered the cell, using force in an attempt to restrain him.

Mr X was removed from the holding cell after additional custody officers entered and removed him.

While Mr X was being removed, Custody Officer A punched him to the face after believing he was about to spit on him.

The IPCA’s investigation found that Custody Officer A should not have intervened by himself, and the use of force was unjustified to restrain Mr X.

It also found that the use of force to stop the man spitting was justified, however the punching to the face was excessive.

Police acknowledge these findings.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says Police have a general duty of care to all people in custody, of which 120,000 are managed across the country every year.

“That day the staff felt they needed to act with urgency after the detainee had hit his head against the wall multiple times with escalating intensity,” he says.

“We accept the staff present could have had better coordination around a plan for a safer approach to the unfolding situation.”

Police carried out an investigation into the actions of Custody Officer A.

Superintendent Gray says: “While there was insufficient evidence to lay criminal charges, our investigation found that the actions of punching Mr X to the face with a closed fist was unreasonable and unnecessary given the circumstances.

“A disciplinary process has since been carried out, the details of which remain confidential.

“However, I can confirm Custody Officer A remains employed by New Zealand Police.”

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