Police Authority, Use of Force, Property Seizure, and Identity Process Ref; PPN 1685892711

OIA REQUEST

Police Authority, Use of Force, Property Seizure, and Identity Process Ref; PPN 1685892711

To:

Official Information Act Requests

New Zealand Police

Email: [email protected]

Cc:

Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)

Date: 9.01.2026

Subject: Official Information Act Request – Police Authority, Property Interference, Use of Force, and Identity Determination

Request under the Official Information Act 1982

Kia ora,

This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982.

I request the following information relating to police conduct during an arrest and enforcement interaction involving use of force, seizure of property, and identity determination.

A. Authority and Instructions

Please provide copies of:

1. Any operational orders, instructions, or briefings directing officers to interfere with or assert control over:

• Vehicle number plates

• Private property associated with the vehicle

2. Any document identifying who authorised such actions and on what legal basis.

3. Any policy, statute, or delegated authority relied upon to treat the property as subject to police control.

B. Property Seizure and Search

Please provide copies of:

4. Policies governing the removal of personal items (including wallets) from a person who is handcuffed.

5. Policies or guidance governing searches of pockets during arrest where no immediate safety risk is identified.

6. Any record justifying the seizure of a wallet in this instance.

7. Any inventory, evidence log, or chain-of-custody record relating to seized items.

C. Use of Force

Please provide copies of:

8. All use-of-force reports, notes, or assessments completed by attending officers.

9. Any supervisory review or post-incident assessment.

10. Any body-worn camera, in-car camera, or CCTV footage associated with the incident.

D. Identity Determination

Please provide copies of:

11. Records showing how identity was determined where a name was not verbally provided.

12. Any systems, databases, or identifiers accessed for that purpose.

13. The legal authority relied upon to obtain or confirm identity in those circumstances.

E. Oversight and Accountability

14. Any internal review, complaint, or notification made to IPCA relating to this incident.

If any information is withheld, please specify the exact statutory ground relied upon.

This request is made to ensure transparency, accountability, and accuracy of the public record.

Nāku noa, nā