A Police watchdog report finds officers in Hawke's Bay unlawfully entered a house this year and used unjustified force to arrest a man breaching bail

Seven officers entered a Flaxmere home, believed it was permitted under the reasoning the offender denied breaching bail and refused to cooperate.

The IPCA report finds Police should've applied for an arrest warrant - if they suspected they'd need to enter the house.

Police acknowledge the findings..

The say the law was misinterpreted and they're working to ensure all staff understand their obligations.