IPCA says use of force by police during Wairoa arrest was justified

Police acknowledge IPCA findings into "use of force". Photo / File

An officer was justified in using force during an arrest at Wairoa police station, but shouldn't have used his leg to flip the man onto the floor in the cells, a report has found.

The Independent Conduct Authority's (IPCA) findings into the arrest on January 21 were acknowledged by police on Tuesday.

A man had claimed an officer became aggressive when taking him into a cell. The report found the officer used force to arrest the man.

The authority found the officer was justified in using his leg to take the man to the ground after the man became abusive towards the officer.

The officer was also justified in using his fist to hold the man's head against the floor when he thought the man was going to spit at him.

The officer used his leg to flip the man onto the floor before he exited the cell, which the authority found to be unnecessary.

Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said any use of force was a last resort, however the offender presented a risk to the officer and others in the station.

"The officer involved took reasonable steps to quickly detain the man after he became aggressive," Aberahama said.

"The challenge for police is when there are levels of resistance, the force applied should be reasonable and proportionate.

"It is important that we review incidents such as this and share anything learnt with each other."