New Zealand Police Mandate Breath Test Training Amid Falsification Scandal

Every police officer in New Zealand is now required to complete an online training module for alcohol breath testing. This mandate follows revelations that over 120 officers are under investigation for allegedly falsifying breath test results. According to a report by RNZ, around 30,000 tests were “falsely or erroneously recorded,” raising significant concerns about the integrity of the police’s breath testing procedures.

The issue came to light after police developed a new algorithm to analyze testing data, revealing discrepancies in the results. The devices used for testing were unable to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate tests, necessitating this corrective action. A memo distributed to staff noted that the “recent discovery” of these falsified tests had negatively impacted trust and confidence in the police, particularly with partner agencies.

Mandatory Training Rollout

In response to this situation, the Police Executive has mandated that all constabulary staff complete the training module by December 4, 2023. The module, which became available on the day of the announcement, will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. It covers essential topics such as the proper operation of testing devices, data docking and download procedures, and the critical role of breath screening in ensuring road safety.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers emphasized the importance of this training in restoring public confidence in the police’s breath testing regime. She stated, “Your professional approach to breath screening saves lives and maintains public confidence in our road safety efforts.”

Rogers acknowledged the impact of the scandal on public trust, affirming the police’s commitment to rectifying the situation. She explained that some officers had manipulated the testing devices, recording more interactions than they had actually performed with motorists. This manipulation occurred while officers were in moving vehicles, which allowed the algorithm to detect numbers that fell “outside the normal parameters.”

Investigation and Accountability

Rogers indicated that the investigation is ongoing and has not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges against those involved in the falsification. “I can’t predict what’s going to come from those employment investigations,” she said. “But if we were to identify criminal offending, then that’s what we would address.”

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, none of the implicated officers have been suspended as investigations proceed. When questioned about the police’s ability to trust these officers, Rogers acknowledged the concern but emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to unfold.

The falsified tests reportedly occurred nationwide, with a significant number of affected officers belonging to dedicated road policing teams. Rogers expressed bafflement at the reasons behind the falsifications, noting that legitimate testing numbers had exceeded national targets. New Zealand police conducted 4.2 million legitimate tests, leading to a record low in alcohol-related deaths on the roads last year.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been closely monitoring the situation since it was informed of the issue in September 2023. A spokesperson for NZTA expressed concern over the integrity of drink-driving enforcement, a critical aspect of ensuring road safety.

As part of ongoing evaluations, the NZTA will assess whether the current targets for policing should remain in place. “We have clear evidence that increased levels of enforcement lead to better road safety outcomes,” the spokesperson stated. An independent evaluation of the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) is currently underway, which will inform future actions related to activity and target levels.

The Ministry of Transport has also been briefed on the situation, expressing concern and vowing to work closely with both the NZTA and police as the issue unfolds. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that measures are put in place to restore public trust in New Zealand’s road safety initiatives.