Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to the arrest of a youth in Tawa, Wellington on 4 September 2020.
The IPCA found that an officer was justified in using force to restrain a youth after he resisted arrest for disorderly behaviour.
¡°It is clear that the officer involved took the appropriate action to prevent harm to both himself and the other officers present,¡± says Superintendent Corrie Parnell, Wellington District Commander.
¡°The youth was actively resisting arrest and his behaviour indicated that he may assault the officers.¡±
Police also note the IPCA¡¯s view that the technique used by the officer was not appropriate.
¡°Police policy allows officers to use ¡°empty hand techniques¡± such as taking someone to the ground when a person is actively resistant,¡± says Superintendent Parnell.
¡°While the technique used in this instance is not included in the Police Integrated Tactical Training (PITT) programme, it was a slow and controlled manoeuvre, deployed with the intent of taking the youth to the ground without causing injury.¡±
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre