24 Mar 2022

Police watchdog IPCA to review tactics used in Parliament protest

5:00 pm on 24 March 2022

The police watchdog has received nearly 1900 complaints related to the recent protest and occupation at Parliament grounds.

Protestors and Police standoff as police move concrete barricades

The IPCA would also look at police's planning, staff selection, and the tactics used. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The Independent Police Conduct Authority said many of these were from individuals who were not at the protest, but were concerned about both police action and inaction.

"Some are from individuals who were physically present and made complaints about specific or more general police activities, such as the lawfulness of their powers, use of force or particular tactics, and treatment in custody," the IPCA said.

The review would canvas what intelligence police had access to and used before and during the protest and how this informed decision-making.

It would examine police engagement with iwi, government officials and other agencies that police worked with.

The IPCA would also look at police's planning with regard to training, staff selection, the tactics used and the timeliness of these.

"It also includes how police balanced the rights of protesters with the rights of other people throughout the course of the protest."

The review would not look at police actions that happened at other protest sites around the country or online misinformation.

It would also not consider the political or socio-economic motivation of any complainant or group of complainants.

The IPCA would likely set up an email address and drop-box facility to receive relevant information from the public.

It would also work out how best to engage with those involved in the protest, including protesters, police, media outlets, affected communities and experts.

It would take up to a year to complete.

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