IPCA probe finds police officer made up fake alcohol reading for drink
An investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority found that a Waikato police officer falsified a breath alcohol test result after failing to conduct the test properly. While the authority deemed the act dishonest and a criminal offense, police declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding police accountability and the handling of internal misconduct investigations.
When a driver admitted he’d been drinking alcohol at a police checkpoint, the officer immediately issued an infringement notice for driving with excess breath alcohol.
It wasn’t until later that evening on January 29, 2024, that the officer realised he hadn’t conducted an evidential breath test to see how far over the limit the driver was before issuing the notice.
Instead of admitting his mistake, the Waikato officer falsely recorded that he had conducted an evidential test and made up a fake alcohol reading at the checkpoint in Morrinsville.
Police notified the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) , which investigated whether the officer’s actions constituted a breach of criminal law and whether police had conducted appropriate inquiries when the matter came to light.
Police initially dealt with the officer’s conduct as an employment issue, without conducting a criminal investigation to explore whether it amounted to a breach of criminal law.
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