Police cleared of wrongdoing after man dies in custody

Waikato police been cleared of any wrongdoing after a man died in their custody.

An investigation report released yesterday said the man was arrested in a rural area and taken to a local police station before being transferred to the custody unit at Hamilton Police Station.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority summary of the case did not reveal where or when the arrest took place but it’s understood to have been in Te Ku¯ iti in December 2018.

After the man arrived, the arresting officers took him back to his home so he could collect his medication and clothing.

However, once he got inside the property, the man injured himself.

Serious injuries were inflicted before the police officer could intervene to prevent further injury, the IPCA report said.

The officers administered first aid and called for an ambulance, but the man died at the scene.

An investigation was conducted by police as well as the policy, practice and procedure review.

Their investigation found the injuries were self-inflicted and there were no breaches in police policy. The arresting officers had also followed correct procedures when they arrested and processed the man.

Before taking him home an evaluation was completed at the police station, which included asking about the man’s health and mental wellbeing.

This evaluation did not give officers any reasons to believe the man might harm himself.

The investigation also found the officer who processed the man had established a good rapport with him.

Several recommendations were made after the review to improve processes and provide additional safeguards to prevent similar situations happening in the future.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority oversaw the police investigation and agreed with the finding.