February 05, 2026

#national: Police Acknowledge IPCA Findings on Unjustified Use of Force

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 5, 2026

New Zealand Police have publicly acknowledged the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which found that officers’ use of force in a custody situation was unjustified and fell below acceptable standards of care.

The incident dates back to 18 January 2023, when a man was arrested in Auckland for breaching bail and taken to the Auckland Custody Unit. While being transferred between cells, two officers attempted to restrain him on the floor – and the man subsequently fell and hit his head. After a complaint was made, the IPCA investigated the circumstances.

The Authority concluded that while the arrest itself was lawful, the use of force in the custody unit was not justified, and that the standard of care provided to the man while in custody fell below what is expected.

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel said Police accept the IPCA’s findings and emphasised the force used did not align with the duty of care owed to people in custody. Both officers involved were charged with common assault following an internal Police investigation, though those charges were later dismissed in the Auckland District Court in late 2024. Patel confirmed an employment process affecting those staff members is ongoing.

Superintendent Patel also noted that while the vast majority of people in custody are managed safely each year, the Police will continue to take learnings from every interaction to improve practice and community trust.

The IPCA’s role as an independent oversight body is to review serious complaints about Police conduct and report publicly on its findings. Acknowledgement of these findings by Police highlights ongoing conversations in Aotearoa about accountability, use of force, and duty of care within the justice system.

This development continues to shape public discussion about policing standards, rights within custody, and the importance of independent review in upholding confidence in institutions meant to protect all people – regardless of the situations they find themselves in.