Source: Radio New Zealand
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of a police investigation it oversaw on Thursday. RNZ / REECE BAKER
A police employee misused a police vehicle by taking it to go camping with a friend, despite it being booked for a search and rescue exercise, the police watchdog has revealed.
The employee’s actions were revealed when emergency services were called to the van in a no camping, no fishing area after a gas cooker caught fire at the back of the van and caused an explosion.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of a police investigation it oversaw on Thursday.
The allegation was that a Christchurch police employee used a police vehicle for “personal use, knowingly impacting a police search and rescue exercise”.
“The employee signed out an unmarked police van, overriding an earlier booking for a multi-agency search and rescue exercise. He then used the van to take a civilian friend on an overnight fishing and camping trip.
“This deprived the exercise attendees of their transportation and equipment, created logistical issues and forced police to make alternate arrangements at short notice.”
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
The IPCA said later that night emergency services were called to the van.
“In a no camping, no fishing area after a gas cooker caught fire at the back of the van and caused an explosion. No one was hurt and the van sustained no damage.”
“Police found there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the employee for conversion of the van.”
Police found the employee had been “dishonest” and that his actions amounted to serious misconduct.
He resigned before an employment process was concluded.
“The Authority is satisfied with the police investigation.”
Police have been approached for comment.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
