An investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) concluded that a senior police officer unlawfully disciplined his children by striking them with a belt on multiple occasions.
The case came to light in July 2023 when police and Oranga Tamariki were notified of the allegations. While Oranga Tamariki completed a risk assessment and found no ongoing threat to the children, the police investigation was hindered when the officer and his wife refused to allow their children to give evidential interviews.
Without sufficient admissible evidence, the criminal case was closed. However, in an independent inquiry, the officer admitted to using a belt to discipline his children, acknowledging he was aware such actions were illegal.
The IPCA determined that his actions amounted to three counts of assault on a child, as they were for corrective purposes and did not meet legal justifications for reasonable force.
Despite these findings, the police opted not to pursue criminal charges and instead handled the matter through an internal employment process, ultimately censuring the officer for serious misconduct.
The IPCA found this response grossly inadequate given the nature of the offense and the officer’s high rank and responsibility. The report criticises the police’s decision-making, particularly noting that one mitigating factor considered in the officer’s employment sanction was that no criminal charges had been pursued—an approach the IPCA found inexplicable.
The IPCA did not make further recommendations since police had concluded their processes.
For once I applaud the OT decision and the internal police investigation.
Maybe now IPCA (and the other entities) nrealize how they are played by the system.
This is not even the tip of the iceberg.
IPCA: “…accordingly, our view is that the officer’s use of a belt to discipline his
children constituted three offenses of assault on a child.” YOU, ipca, are out of order!
I have never had to physically nor verbally ‘punish’ my children, for they ‘knew’ what is right or wrong, because it is rationalized and explained. I know, that that is quite unbelievable, but my kids will verify that.
At the same time, if u fail to be ‘right there right then’ when guidance is needed (and many police officers ARE on duty for us, the people!), it’s a Sisyphus work to ameliorate your ‘fail’.
I wish that family all the very best to heal from the ‘beast’.
I tend to agree with that decision. My silent question is will the public also avoid prosecution, conviction and be referred to a social worker?
I think not.
As a general rule, the IPCA is soft on police when it comes to punishment. The generally accepted way is no conviction, the accused resigns.
https://nzpca.co.nz/