Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority
15 May 2025
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police largely acted within their powers when dealing with a group of young men who were being disorderly in Beachlands on 11 November 2023.
After attending a couple of parties, the young men were moving around the central area of Beachlands in a disruptive manner. At around 3:00am, a resident called Police to complain a group of intoxicated men were tipping over rubbish bins and being verbally abusive.
Three officers initially responded, with nine other officers arriving to assist during the hour-long incident. Officers described the young men as being extremely intoxicated, fighting amongst themselves, and being belligerent towards Police. Officers used a variety of tactics to attempt to control and defuse the situation. Five of the young men were arrested; one was charged with fighting in a public place and assaulting Police, and the other four were given formal warnings.
The Authority conducted an independent investigation into the matter and is satisfied that Police acted within their powers and used reasonable and justified force to take the young men into custody.
One of the officers kicked a young man in the vicinity of his head while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground. The Authority was not convinced the officer gave a complete account of his recollection of the incident. However, on the evidence, we could not conclude that the kick was intentional. The officer has since resigned from NZ Police.
Officers failed to follow the correct process when issuing the formal warnings. Therefore, the formal warnings were invalid. As a result of the shortcomings regarding this process, the formal warnings were set aside and messaging was disseminated to Police staff to ensure compliance with policy.
Public Report
Police respond to disorderly group in Beachlands (PDF 385 KB)