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Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A law enforcement officer’s usage of a cops dog to collar a 15-year-old was warranted, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) says.
In June in 2015, a member of the general public telephoned cops after hearing a gunshot outside their home in Hamilton.
They offered video footage which revealed an individual shooting a shotgun from a silver station wagon.
Police then found the car driving at speed a brief time later on, however the driver ran away when asked to pull over.
The car lastly pulled up after driving over roadway spikes.
Five individuals left the vehicle and escaped. The officer cautioned them he would launch the dog.
The dog was launched and bit a 15-year-old male on the arm. He was required to Waikato Hospital for treatment.
The others then handed themselves in without a problem and the gun was not discovered.
IPCA chairperson Judge Kenneth Johnston KC said the officer was validated with their actions.
“In this case, the officers had factor to think a minimum of among the residents of the vehicle remained in belongings to a gun.
“The dog handler made a sound evaluation of the threats, and launching the dog was the most proper tactical alternative available to him.”
Hamilton city location leader Inspector Will Loughrin concurred with the findings.
“Our team member made the ideal tactical choices in order to bring this occurrence to a conclusion,” Loughrin said.
“There were a number of aspects of danger here, consisting of a gun and a high-speed leaving driver occasion, and proper treatment was followed to reduce those threats, keeping the general public and our staff safe.”
