In January 2023, an Auckland custody officer used unjustified force when a detainee was hit on the head in Manukau District Court.
The detainee, who was in the court cells, challenged the staff and threatened the officer, including threats to shoot him and his family. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) found that the officer had other, less forceful options but acted in self-defense.
The IPCA acknowledged that there was not enough evidence to charge the officer with assault but noted that the officer no longer works for the police.
Inspector Alison Brand stated that while the police investigated the incident, there was insufficient evidence to charge the officer. The police conducted an employment investigation into the matter and confirmed that the employee no longer works for them.
