KEY POINTS:
Police are investigating a report a police constable may have been drinking before he crashed an unmarked police car in New Plymouth.
The crash happened when the officer lost control of the car on Veale Rd at about 2.30am on August 3.
Central Districts' Inspector Greg Hudson said he was waiting for results of a blood test taken from the constable after the crash.
"The reports are he was (drinking alcohol), but we can't confirm anything until we get a blood result back, because that is the most crucial evidence," Mr Hudson told the Taranaki Daily News.
If the constable, who was taken to hospital after the crash, was found to be over the drink-driving limit he would face court action and it would be up to the police commissioner to make a call on his future, Mr Hudson said.
The incident has also left questions over whether or not the constable, who was due to start work later that day, was allowed to be in possession of the police car at the time of the crash.
The officer has been suspended while the incident is investigated.
- NZPA
