An Auckland police officer remains on the force after a criminal charge was withdrawn following an investigation into his disposal of seized cannabis and drug paraphernalia in a station skip bin. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary today confirming the officer discarded the evidence because he “could not be bothered” to complete the required paperwork.
Investigation into Counties Manukau District Officer
The incident began on July 2, 2024, when an officer based in the Counties Manukau district searched a car suspected of being stolen. According to the IPCA, the officer seized a large bag of a substance believed to be cannabis and drug paraphernalia, then issued the driver a summons to appear in court.
Weeks later, a supervising officer discovered the paperwork was incomplete. When questioned, the officer claimed he had been busy with another arrest that night and had thrown the cannabis and items into a skip bin in the police station carpark. He further alleged that the driver had left New Zealand, which prevented the finalization of the court summons. However, the supervisor’s inquiries found no record of another arrest that night and confirmed the driver was still in the country.
Legal Outcome and Police Conduct Findings
Police investigations concluded that the officer disposed of the evidence due to a lack of desire to complete the paperwork. This led to a charge of wilfully perverting the course of justice. Prosecutors later withdrew and dismissed the charge in court, stating they could not prove the officer intended to prevent justice rather than acting out of laziness.
Despite the dismissed criminal charge, an internal employment process determined the officer breached both the Code of Conduct and police policy. Superintendent Shanan Gray, the Counties Manukau district commander, stated the conduct was a “departure from our values” and “not conduct we expect from our staff.” Gray confirmed the officer remains employed, though he declined to disclose specific details of the employment process.
IPCA Oversight and Systemic Implications
The IPCA oversaw the police investigation and stated it was satisfied with how the matter was handled and agreed with the outcome. Superintendent Gray praised the supervising officer for pursuing the missing paperwork, stating the supervisor “done the right thing.”
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