A police officer used an "unjustified use of force" when he punched a man in the Manukau District Court cells after being "verbally threatened".
Police today acknowledged a report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority into the January 24, 2023 incident.
Counties Manukau Relieving District Commander, Inspector Alison Brand said police received a complaint from someone being held in the court cells that they had been struck on the side of the head by an authorised officer.
"A thorough investigation was carried out and police found when the man arrived at the court cells, police observed he did not immediately follow instructions and didn’t engage with staff," Brand said.
"A short time later, the man challenged the attending authorised officer, and verbally threatened him.
"Ten minutes later, the man verbally abused the authorised officer again while being moved back to his cell.
"During this altercation, the authorised officer struck the man on the side of his face with a closed fist.
"During the investigation, the authorised officer explained that he pre-emptively struck the man in self-defence as he felt threatened and believed the man was going to assault him."
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found the officer had "less forceful options" available to him and the punch was an "unnecessary use of force".
Brand said there wasn't enough evidence to charge the officer with assault.
“We note the authority agrees with this finding,” she said.
According to police, the officer was no longer employed with police after an investigation was carried out into the matter.
SHARE ME