27 April 2023
Ref: IR-01-23-8624
Amanda Murtagh
[FYI request #22163 email]
Dear Amanda
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 request of 20 March 2023, in which you
asked:
What is the standard procedure when the NZ Police receive a complaint from the
Independent Police Complaints Authority?
The procedure which is adopted when NZ Police receives a complaint from the
Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) is largely dependent on the nature of the
complaint.
If the complaint is minor in nature or requires no further action by the IPCA, Police may
need to assess the al eged behaviour to ascertain whether there are performance or
conduct issues or learning that can improve Police service.
Other complaints may be referred to Police which the IPCA consider are appropriate for a
facilitated resolution. These wil be considered by Police and steps wil be taken to
achieve conciliation with the complainant.
Serious or significant matters are referred to Police for investigation with active oversight
by the IPCA. These matters wil be assessed by Police and wil result in either a criminal
investigation, an employment investigation, or both.
Al complaints which are received from the IPCA are documented in the Police complaint
management system. Complainants wil be sent a letter of acknowledgment from Police.
Yours sincerely
Superintendent Jason Guthrie
Director: Integrity and Conduct
Police National Headquarters