As stated by Wellington Acting District Commander Inspector Tracey Thompson:
Police accepts the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s ruling that the force used during an arrest in Masterton in 2019 was justified.
Police arrested a male for obstruction, the male was aggressive towards staff and was subsequently pepper sprayed.
After his arrest the male continued to be aggressive and spat an officer, the male was restrained until other officers arrived.
The Authority found the use of pepper spray and restraining the male was justified and proportionate.
/NZ Police Public Release. View in full .
