Independent Police Conduct Authority Finds Use of Force Unjustified in Auckland Custody Unit Incident

By [Editor's Name]

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has released a report confirming that the use of force by officers on a detainee at the Auckland Custody Unit was unjustified, despite the detainee's arrest being lawful.

The report, published on Thursday, highlights a series of concerning lapses in the standard of care provided to Mr X, a man arrested for breaching his bail conditions. While the arrest itself was deemed justified, the manner in which he was handled by officers during his placement into a cell was found to be inappropriate and below acceptable standards.

According to Mr X, he was pulled onto the floor by officers after resisting entry into a wet cell. He claimed he had fallen face-first, resulting in him being knocked unconscious and left bleeding from the mouth. The IPCA report notes that medical advice should have been sought immediately, and that Mr X should not have been left without a mattress for five hours.

The report also clarifies that the cell was wet due to recent mopping, not as a form of punishment for spitting, as Mr X had initially believed. This further highlights a communication gap between the detainee and the officers, which may have contributed to the escalation of the situation.

The IPCA found that the standard of care provided to Mr X was significantly below expectations. The authority emphasized that the officer in charge should have consulted with a health professional and that the decision to remove the mattress from Mr X's cell was inappropriate.

The police have acknowledged the IPCA's findings. They confirmed that the two officers involved were charged with common assault, but the charges were dismissed during a judge-only trial in late 2024. The officers explained to the IPCA that they were attempting to place Mr X on the floor, as they were concerned he was