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A police officer who struck a woman who bit him while trying to prevent her from attempting suicide did not use excessive force, but should have taken other actions, according to a new report.
A report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) was released today, following the incident in rural Bay of Plenty in 2018.
The woman’s partner called the police, who were concerned she was attempting suicide.
When the officers arrived at the Whakamārama property, the woman was in the shower, with broken glass and blood in the hallway.
He wrapped himself in a towel and returned to his room when the police called and entered the room.
The woman refused to enter and closed the door on her, prompting the officer to walk toward a different entrance to the room while another officer entered through the front door to the main one.
The officer says the woman tried to run out of the bedroom and was worried she might hurt herself, so he grabbed her and immobilized her.
She bit his arm and he “hit” her by hitting her on the head, she told IPCA.
There was a fight in the hallway and the woman’s towel fell off, leaving her naked. They then pepper sprayed her and handcuffed her.
During the encounter, the woman was also accidentally hit on the head with handcuffs, the IPCA confirmed.
Two more officers later arrived, including a woman who covered the woman with a blanket and took her to hospital.
In the IPCA report, the officer was acquitted of using excessive force at the encounter, but the authority criticized some of the actions of the police.
He says there were “other options available” for officers to prevent the situation from getting worse.
“A calmer approach may also have allowed Ms. Z the space to dress before speaking to the police, which could reduce her distress and make her more willing to help,” said IPCA President Colin Doherty in The report.
He referred to a report published five years ago that found that the police lacked appropriate methods and strategies when working with people with mental disabilities who posed a risk to themselves or others.
He says the police are still called in as first responders to mental health emergencies.
“They are required to help perform a health function that does not sit comfortably with their predominant law enforcement role,” he said.
“This is despite the fact that officers commonly lack the skills and strategies to deal with people with mental disabilities in a way that effectively reduces their mental anguish and alleviates the situation.”
In a statement today, the commander of the Western Bay of Plenty area, Inspector Clifford Paxton, said he supports the actions of his officers.
“As a police officer, we have a duty to protect life and safety. Our officers were protecting this woman and ensuring her safety.”
