Coroner Mike Robb has found that the 2016 police shooting of Shargin Stephens in Rotorua was preventable and that the actions of a probationary officer contributed significantly to his death.
Stephens, armed with a slasher and wrench, was attempting to evade police and made no attempt to harm officers before he was shot twice in the stomach by the junior officer.
Despite being surrounded by 12 police officers and three dogs, the probationary officer rushed ahead with an M4 rifle and escalated the situation, ultimately shooting Stephens as he made a small movement toward him.
The coroner ruled that Stephens’ behaviour was aggressive but not assaultive, driven by frustration from excessive police bail checks and sleep deprivation—not a meth-induced psychosis.
In a 209-page report, Robb criticised the failure of senior officers to stop the probationary officer from taking control and found multiple officers to be unreliable witnesses. He issued 30 recommendations, including body camera use, better de-escalation training, and revised protocols for probationary officers. He also described the police’s ongoing bail checks as “oppressive” and noted the family’s plea for accountability and human dignity in future police conduct.
So no dismissals, as a bare minimum? This is why I simply don’t trust these people or those overseeing them. Where’s the accountability?
Wrong doing on both sides. The guy was armed and dangerous however police failed to handle the situation with proper tactics needed in this situation. The police messed up and then attempted to cover it up.
NEVER TALK OR INTERACT WITH POLICE IN ANY NATION OR STATE!
If/when you do, ALWAYS have a Lawyer present!
Does the term. “ uneliable witnesses “ mean liar?
Police have shown their hand. Who they serve and its not you. They are not here to help you. They are here to carry out whatever order from government no matter if it is lawful or not. No matter if it is right or wrong.
I have seen police lie under oath, been found out and nothing was done. That is the understanding the police have with government.
What penalty has been handled out to the liars? Nothing.
NZ Cop’s, watch to much American Cop video’s.
Good riddance, frankly Im tired of pandering to the gangs and criminals.