Auckland Police say investigation underway after on-duty officers filmed on stripper pole

An investigation has been launched into the conduct of two on-duty Auckland police officers who were filmed cavorting on a strippers’ pole inside a private property.

In a home security footage shared with the Herald, two uniformed officers could be seen jumping onto and straddling the strippers’ pole, while twirling around it with assistance from a woman.

Both officers seemed interested in having a turn on the pole, which was erected in the middle of the room. The pair appeared to be smiling after their performance before patting a cat inside the residence.

The timestamp on the video says it was taken in the early hours of June 29 earlier this year.

Footage showed the police officers taking turns on the pole. Image / Supplied

Acting Auckland City District Commander Acting Superintendent Sunny Patel said police are aware of the video, and both members were on duty at the time.

“An investigation is ongoing into the conduct of our staff. There are very clear guidelines about what is acceptable behaviour while on duty,” he told the Herald.

“While we can’t comment on the specifics of any investigation or employment process, we can advise one of those members left police prior to the video coming to our attention.

“The other member remains on full duties.”

Footage showed the police officers taking turns on the pole. Image / Supplied

It comes after police said an officer fell “well short of expectations” after photographs emerged of him wearing a gang patch just days after the controversial gang patch ban came into force.

Two photographs of a police officer wearing a vest with the Mangu Kaha gang patch visible were widely circulated online.

The officer appeared to be posing for the camera, giving a front and back display of the vest worn on top of his blue police uniform.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell described the photos as disappointing but said police would take the incident seriously.

“I’ve been advised the officer has come forward to take responsibility, and that the image is understood to have been taken in June.

“I’m sure the officer involved is feeling terrible about letting his colleagues down.”

Mitchell said police would go through an “internal process” to determine what further action would be taken.

Many people expressed dismay at the photos on social media.

“How is that making the community safer? They’re making fun of the gangs,” one person said.

Another social media user said, “So why can they wear gang insignia but I can’t?”

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