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New guidelines governing the behaviour of off-duty police officers are being drafted to prevent officers who have been drinking from intervening at any cost.
The move follows the case of sole-charge country policeman Jonathan Erwood, 37, who responded to a fatal road crash near the Taranaki rural town of Mokau in July last year after drinking alcohol at a barbecue.
He was breath-tested at the accident scene, charged with drink-driving and suspended from the force. He was discharged without conviction in September.
The Christchurch Press reported today police were drafting new guidelines on off-duty behaviour.
Police national operations manager acting superintendent Brett Kane said the guidelines advise off-duty officers to contact the communications centre rather than make an arrest if they come across someone committing a crime.
Officers are then instructed to watch the incident unfold so they can be a witness in court if required.
Police officers who have been drinking are ordered not to intervene or become involved at any cost.
Police Association Canterbury, Westland and Tasman regional director Craig Prior said the rules being developed would be legally binding and could result in disciplinary action or dismissal if disobeyed.
He said the development of strict rules guiding off-duty action was positive.
Every year police were involved in several incidents where accounts of officers and the people they arrested while off duty conflicted, he said.
The guidelines would also allow police officers to enjoy their time off.
"It makes practical sense. People do have to have time away from the job," he said.
- NZPA
