An Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) investigation has found that officers made several errors of judgement when dealing with an unruly man in Hokitika last year.
Police say they have accepted the findings of the investigation, which was carried out in relation to an incident in which police twice tasered a man they considered "violent and unpredictable" in April 2015.
The man had been threatening members of the public and when officers attempted to take him into custody he fled, resulting in their use of the taser.
IPCA investigators found the first use of the taser had breached police policy, though wasn't unlawful - but they deemed the second "unjustified".
"The officers involved completed a risk assessment and determined that the use of the taser to detain the offender was the most effective course of action to protect the community," said Tasman District Commander Karyn Malthus.
"Police accept one officer was in error in regard to the decision to use the Taser a second time."
Supt Malthus says police made other errors of judgement by failing to provide adequate medical care to the man and by failing to review the incident appropriately.
Police say they are now conducting an internal employment investigation in regard to the use of the taser, and have talked with other officers involved in the incident.
The IPCA, upon completing its own investigation, has suggested that police take a closer look at their taser policy. Police say they are complying with that recommendation and an official review is now in progress.
Newshub.
