Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) into the handling of a Police Safety Order (PSO) issued in south Auckland.
On 25 June 2025, Police responded to a family harm incident and attended Ms X’s address after she reported Mr Y had returned to the property.
Earlier that day, the Family Court had issued a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) against Mr Y, for the protection of Ms X and their children. At the time, the TPO had not yet been entered into the Police system.
Staff spoke with both parties, and after consultation with a supervisor, a PSO was issued against Ms X for 24 hours, requiring her to leave the property.
The IPCA found this decision was unjustified, did not follow family harm policy, and failed to properly consider relevant factors.
Relieving Counties Manukau District Commander, Inspector Jared Pirret, accepts the findings.
“The decision to issue a PSO in this case was wrong and should not have been made,” he says.
“We also acknowledge the initial Police review of this decision did not properly consider the full context of the entire situation and consequently came to an incorrect decision.”
Police have apologised to Ms X for getting this wrong and the distress this caused.
“This situation should have been handled differently, and we are sorry for the impact our actions had on Ms X,” Inspector Pirret says.
Police have already taken steps to address the Authority’s recommendations. This includes additional training for staff involved and tightening local processes.
Work is also underway at a national level to improve PSO policy and training.
“We are treating this as a clear learning opportunity,” Inspector Pirret says. “We are committed to lifting our practice and ensuring this does not happen again.”
In Counties Manukau, changes have already been made to ensure the handling of TPOs aligns with best practice across other districts.
