KEY POINTS:
The partner of a man who ran in front of a truck while being pursued by an off-duty policeman has welcomed new rules for police who come across crime outside of work.
The death of George Tipene Harris, 24, in October 2004 has driven the introduction of a
policy setting out guidelines for off-duty police staff.
It will instruct off-duty staff who witness a crime to contact a communications centre and observe events rather than make an arrest.
They should not become involved unless there is a threat of injury or serious damage to property.
Police National Headquarters also say officers who have been drinking alcohol should only take action "if it is absolutely unavoidable".
Responding police will be advised to treat their off-duty colleague as a witness who may give evidence in court.
Mr Harris was killed when he ran in front of a street-sweeping truck while running from Constable Clint Hill.
Mr Hill had drunk alcohol that day and was on his way to a bar in Manukau when he arrested Mr Harris, who was intoxicated, for trying to take his cellphone.
Nii Enoka, Mr Harris' partner and mother of his son, Julius, this week welcomed the police decision to set out clear directions for staff.
"I think it's a good idea," she said.
She said Mr Harris should not have been pursued by the off-duty officer.
He should have reported the incident and let on-duty colleagues deal with the situation.
At an inquest, Mr Hill told Mr Harris' family: "I wish I could change my decisions I made that night.
"Maybe that would have changed things and we wouldn't be here."
Coroner Sarn Herdson recommended a review of procedures around off-duty staff making an arrest in light of Mr Harris' death.
The Police Complaints Authority said the death was "probably the catalyst" for the introduction of guidelines.
"Police had intended to [create a policy] and we're just waiting to see what the outcome is," said authority investigator Norman Cook.
"I think we agreed that is probably a good approach to take."
Acting Superintendent Brett Kane, acting national operations manager, said a draft policy was sent to staff before Christmas and details would be finalised over the next few months.
Mr Kane did not have details on the background to the policy but understood Mr Harris' death had been discussed.
He said it was not related to the arrest of Taranaki officer Jonathan Erwood, 37, who responded to a fatal road crash near his sole-charge town of Mokau after drinking alcohol.
Mr Erwood was charged with drink driving but, in September, was discharged without conviction.
"He responded. It didn't involve an arrest, as such," Mr Kane said.
