A police officer used the national police database to run background checks on the neighbours of a house he wanted to buy and on people he was considering as flatmates, an investigation has found.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority uncovered several unauthorised searches in 2024 and 2025 when it audited the off-duty officer's use of the National Intelligence Application (NIA).
The queries included checks on houses neighbouring a property the officer was looking to buy, as well as on people being considered as flatmates before they moved in. The investigation also found the officer had shared police information about the potential flatmates with his partner.
Police concluded the officer breached policy on the acceptable use of information and technology and had engaged in serious misconduct.
Acting Waitematā District Commander Matt Laurenson said the conduct fell short of what was expected of staff.
"The officer's actions were disappointing and in clear breach of the standards expected of staff," he said.
An employment process was carried out and the officer remains employed by New Zealand Police.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including how hard it might be to shake up our supermarkets, and speculation mounts over the new James Bond. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME