IPCA finds Police closure of two parties in Hamilton justified

The Independent Police Conduct Authority released a report today finding that Police were justified in closing down two out of control parties at a Wellington Street address in Hamilton on 16 and 17 January 2015.

After investigating three separate complaints regarding the Police’s actions when closing down the parties and dispersing partygoers from the surrounding streets, the Authority concluded that Police took appropriate steps to disperse the crowds of partygoers and were justified in arresting four people and used reasonable force to carry out those arrests.

Authority Chair, Judge Sir David Carruthers, said: “In this case Police clearly considered their legal justification for closing down each party and their actions were lawful and complied with policy.”

However, in relation to some Police actions following the closure of the parties, the Authority determined that:

• Police were not justified in using force against a woman by pushing her with a shield as she did not pose a genuine risk to Police at that time. The woman had not attended the party and was looking for her son, who had called her in distress.

• Police also failed to provide one of the people they arrested with a blanket and a phone call while in custody.

In August 2014 the Authority released a report on “Police handling of ‘out of control’ parties” which highlighted issues around the type of behaviour Police face when closing down parties, the methods Police use to clear partygoers, and the legal justification for Police to take action.

In response to concerns raised by the Authority, Police implemented a new ‘Public Order Policing’ policy which was in force at the time of these parties.

IPCA Public Report

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