Police were justified in using a dog to arrest a man in Palmerston North last June

While patrolling the area, Police initiated a pursuit of a wanted gang-member who had known access to firearms.

Officers chased the man and warned him to stop twice, but the man continued to flee.

A Police dog was released and apprehended the man by the neck ... he was then arrested and taken straight to Palmerston North Hospital.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the use of the dog was a proportionate use of force in those circumstances.