A Waikato police officer’s speed and driving, which contributed to a crash while responding to an urgent callout, was “unnecessarily risky” and breached police policy, an investigation has found.
The investigation, undertaken by New Zealand Police but overseen by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), initially recommended criminal charges be laid, but further witness statements shifted the focus to another driver’s actions.
The police officer was responding to a request for assistance from a colleague in an unsafe situation and had their lights and sirens on as they travelled westbound on a road with a speed limit of 60km/h.
As cars moved left to allow the police car to pass, one car unexpectedly swerved into the centre of the lane.
To avoid a collision, the officer swerved right and struck a concrete traffic island, propelling the police car into an oncoming vehicle. Both vehicles were damaged, but no injuries were reported.
The investigation established the police car was travelling at around 108km/h before the crash and the officer was criminally investigated.
Charges were initially recommended, but after further witnesses were interviewed, it was determined there was insufficient evidence to charge the officer as the driver who had swerved was a “significant factor” in the crash.
Police found the officer’s speed was “unnecessarily risky” and that their driving was in breach of police policy.
The IPCA said it agreed with the police outcome but said there was a “significant delay” in them being notified of the incident.
“It was apparent from the outset that this matter involved potential criminality and employment concerns; therefore the Authority should have been notified sooner,” the summary of the report read.
“An earlier notification could have led to a more efficient investigation process with further pertinent information being collected before a charging recommendation was made.”
The officer’s breach of police policy was addressed through an employment process.
