Female Police officer assaulted during Taupo family violence incident
A female Police Officer suffered a broken jaw after being assaulted while attending a family violence incident in Taupo
in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 13 August).
The officer and two male Police officers were called to the incident at a Taupo View Rd address at approximately 3:45am.
The Taupo Area Commander, Inspector Steve Bullock, says Police were called to the address after reports of a male
assaulting a female in front of an eight year old child.
"As the two male Police officers attempted to arrest the alleged male offender, the female victim physically tried to
intervene. The female officer was verbally and physically assaulted as she attempted to hold her back, receiving a kick
to her face in the process.
“Despite having sustained a serious injury, the female officer still managed to apprehend and arrest the female
offender.”
Inspector Bullock says the officer has suffered a broken jaw and has a number of bruises. He says she has received
medical treatment today, but will not require surgery. She will be discharged from hospital today.
"Obviously she is extremely sore and shaken, but we are all very grateful that her injuries were not more serious. It
was an incredible show of courage to continue to do her job and make an arrest in that difficult situation and she is to
be commended for her actions.
"Unfortunately this is a sad example of a case where Police are called to help a victim and end up becoming a victim
instead.
"Police attend a number of family violence callouts every night, usually where alcohol is a factor. Sadly, despite being
a victim in a violent situation, many choose not to take further action or attempt to prevent Police from doing their
job, as happened in this case.
"Family violence is not okay and Police take reports of family violence seriously. We have an important role to play in
helping reduce family violence in our communities, but we also need everyone to work together.
"If you or someone you know needs help from family violence, please call Police or another agency and please, let us
help you."
Inspector Bullock says the male offender has been charged with obstruction and male assaults female, while the female
offender has been charged with injures with intent to injure.
Both offenders appeared in the Taupo District Court this morning. The female was remanded in custody to reappear in the
Rotorua District Court next Wednesday, and the male offender will reappear in Taupo later this month.
Inspector Bullock says there will be a local internal investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the
incident, and whether any improvements to Police process can be gained as a result.
He says the injured officer will remain off work until she is fully recovered.
Please note: the Police Officer involved has specifically asked not to be named and she does not wish to undertake media
interviews at this time so that she can fully focus on her recovery. We ask the media to respect her wishes.