Warning: This article contains strong language and references to suicide.
A police officer allegedly caught on camera telling a handcuffed man to kill himself has been stood down while an internal investigation takes place.
Video of the incident was reportedly uploaded to Snapchat by a police officer, the New Zealand Herald reported. In it, a man in a striped shirt can be seen leaning forward in the back seat of a vehicle, his hands apparently cuffed behind his back.
Another man - allegedly a police officer - abuses him verbally, calling him a "fat c**t" and a "f**king worthless piece of shit".
"Why don't you just f***ing kill yourself," he says at one point.
Police declined an interview, telling Newshub in a statement the incident took place in early February 2020.
"Police... had been called to a family harm incident in Counties Manukau where a pregnant woman had been assaulted," said Counties Manukau District Commander Supt Jill Rogers.
"A male in his late 30s was arrested, charged and pled guilty to charges of assault with Intent to Injure and Contravening a Protection Order. He was subsequently sentenced to nine months' imprisonment."
Police were not aware of the officer's alleged behaviour until being contacted by media this week, Rogers said - more than a year after it happened.
"We have immediately commenced an investigation into the matter in accordance with our internal disciplinary process.
"The officer involved will be stood down. Police will be referring this matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority."
Police said no further comment would be made while the investigation was happening.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
