A Police officer won't be disciplined for the unjustified use of force on a woman - who gave him a thumbs down gesture while driving past him
A Police officer won't be disciplined for the unjustified use of force on a woman - who gave him a thumbs down gesture while driving past him
3 February 2026
In Auckland in 2022, the officer signalled for the woman to stop because he believed she may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The officer followed her and grabbed the woman outside her home, ripping her clothes, before chasing her inside - he later used pepper spray to make an arrest.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority says there was no legal justification for stopping her and no legal basis for using force or pepper spray to arrest her.
Police see it differently, saying the officer involved is experienced and certain hand gestures can indicate driver impairment.
© 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity
