An officer with New Zealand Police engaged in a sexual relationship with a woman he initially encountered during a routine traffic stop, later misusing police resources and sharing confidential material, according to an oversight body’s findings.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has published a summary of an internal investigation into the conduct of two officers, referred to as Officer A and Officer B, involving their interactions with a member of the public, known as Ms Z.
During a night shift, the two officers conducted a standard traffic stop and performed database searches on Ms Z. Following this, Officer A initiated text communication with her, leading to what the IPCA described as “inappropriate conversation”—something Officer B was reportedly unaware of at the time.
Later that same shift, both officers made additional database enquiries regarding Ms Z. The following evening, Ms Z—who was intoxicated—contacted Officer A to request transport home from work. The officers obliged and were invited into her residence. Officer B, feeling uncomfortable, waited outside in the patrol vehicle, while Officer A remained inside.
The authority revealed that Officer A and Ms Z engaged in consensual sex during that visit.
Officer B later conducted further database checks on Ms Z, citing concern over his colleague’s actions. The misconduct continued over the following weeks, with Officer A returning to Ms Z’s residence twice while on duty, during which more sexual activity took place. He also reportedly left police gear at her home, shared digital images of operational police matters, and repeatedly accessed police records concerning her.
The investigation was prompted in December 2024 after security footage circulated online showing two uniformed officers interacting with a dance pole at a private residence. The video, which showed a woman assisting the officers as they took turns on the pole, raised red flags and led to the internal probe.
Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel confirmed that the footage led to the discovery of Officer A’s inappropriate relationship with Ms Z and his repeated on-duty visits to her home.
“Our investigation established that Officer A engaged in consensual sexual activity while on duty and misused police systems and equipment,” Patel said.
Although no criminal charges were filed due to a lack of sufficient evidence, Patel emphasized the serious breach of conduct.
“There are high standards expected of our officers, especially when they are on duty. This behaviour falls well short of those expectations,” he added.
Officer A, who was the senior member and responsible for training Officer B during their night shift, resigned during the investigation. Despite his resignation, an employment-related review proceeded under Public Service Commission protocols.
Officer B was also subjected to a confidential employment process, though the details were not disclosed.
The IPCA stated that it was satisfied with the police investigation and the outcomes for both officers, describing the internal inquiry as thorough and appropriate.
