Cellphone video footage which allegedly shows a police officer using excessive force before he was beaten in Kawhia on Friday night has been described by another officer as "disappointing".
The footage, produced by a relative, is claimed to contradict the police version of events - that constable Perry Griffin was disarmed of his OC spray and Taser and beaten by five men while trying to arrest 19-year-old Jackie Maikuku.
While police are not able to comment on a matter once it is before the courts, Western Waikato area commander, inspector Paul Carpenter, said he and Griffen were both concerned about the footage.
"Having spoken to the officer again today we believe the images, which we must point out are a very selective slice of a prolonged standoff and attack are consistent with statements from both the officer and witnesses" said Carpenter.
An image that shows a large man approaching Griffin with his arms widespread, Griffin holding a Taser, is a commonly used tactic, he said.