Officer convicted after chasing dirt bike at 144km/h, crashing into cars

A Hawke’s Bay police officer has been convicted of dangerous driving after an unauthorized pursuit of a dirt bike in Hastings. According to police data, the officer reached speeds of 144km/h in a 50km/h residential zone before crashing into two parked vehicles and narrowly missing bystanders, including small children.

Unauthorized Pursuit and Collision in Hastings

The incident occurred in late 2024. The officer attempted to pull over a dirt bike using lights and sirens, but the rider did not stop. Despite warnings from a colleague regarding dangerous speeds and the risk of injury, the officer continued the pursuit into a residential area.

The chase ended when the dirt bike mounted a footpath and entered a park through a pedestrian entrance. The officer braked suddenly, lost control of the patrol car, and collided with a parked vehicle, which was then shunted into a second parked car. A group of neighbors and small children were standing on the footpath only meters from the collision, directly in front of the vehicles, according to the investigation.

IPCA Investigation and Legal Conviction

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) oversaw the investigation into the officer’s conduct. The officer pleaded guilty to driving in a dangerous manner and was subsequently convicted.

An internal police employment process determined the officer breached the Police Code of Conduct and Values, as well as multiple police policies. Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb stated that police acknowledge the findings and the authority’s satisfaction with the investigation.

Employment Status and Police Standards

Despite the conviction and policy breaches, the officer remains employed. Superintendent Joel Lamb noted that this decision followed a confidential employment process, stating, “We hold our people to a high standard.”

Because the officer remains on the force following these breaches, future internal reviews may focus on the application of the Police Code of Conduct regarding high-speed pursuits in residential zones.