Coroner Rules Police Shooting of Shargin Stephens Preventable

The fatal shooting of Shargin Stephens by a police officer in July 2016 was preventable, according to a detailed report from Coroner Michael Robb. The incident, which occurred in Rotorua, involved a probationary officer who acted inappropriately and dangerously during the confrontation. The coroner’s findings highlight significant flaws in police tactics and a concerning disregard for the right to life.

On the day of the shooting, Stephens was brandishing a garden slasher after damaging a police vehicle. The officer, described as being in a “heightened emotional state,” approached Stephens aggressively, firing two shots with an M4 rifle. Coroner Robb’s 207-page report criticized the lack of leadership and failure to de-escalate the situation, stating that the officers prioritized their safety over the life of the individual involved.

The coroner noted that over the years, police have not learned from this incident. He found that the officers involved were defensive when questioned, maintaining that they did nothing wrong. In response to the coroner’s report, police officials claimed that many of Robb’s recommendations have already been implemented.

Police Tactics Under Scrutiny

The report emphasizes that Stephens, a 35-year-old Māori man with no history of violence, was subjected to excessive police scrutiny. Despite being on electronic bail for approximately six weeks without any breaches, police conducted 70 bail checks within 38 days, often waking him late at night. The coroner described Stephens as polite and compliant but increasingly frustrated with the police actions, which he perceived as harassment.

On the morning of the incident, after damaging a police vehicle, Stephens posed no physical threat to officers or the public. The coroner observed that the police’s characterization of Stephens as a danger was unfounded, highlighting that he was not under the influence of methamphetamine, as claimed by officers.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) initially deemed the shooting justified but reopened its investigation in 2021 following revelations of inconsistencies in police accounts. This led to a revised assessment in 2022, which acknowledged that the bail checks were “oppressive” and could have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Critical Findings on Officer Conduct

Coroner Robb found that the officer who shot Stephens, who has remained unnamed due to permanent name suppression, provided unreliable testimony. His accounts were inconsistent and contradicted by witness statements and video evidence. Robb stated, “L05’s original pre-prepared statement…was not consistent with the events,” indicating a troubling lack of accountability.

The coroner’s review revealed that the officer advanced towards Stephens, closing the distance to just 6-7 meters, an action described as “unnecessarily and inappropriately close.” This approach, combined with a flawed risk assessment, signified a panic-driven response rather than a strategic de-escalation attempt.

Robb’s report underscored a pressing need for improved training on de-escalation techniques and better risk assessment practices within the New Zealand Police. He recommended that officers should be trained to recognize imminent threats accurately and prioritize the preservation of life.

The Stephens family expressed gratitude for the coroner’s efforts and called for accountability and dignity in police conduct. They extended compassion to the officer involved, emphasizing the shared burden of grief stemming from such tragedies.

Despite the critical findings, police officials, including Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson, stated that the officer acted in self-defense and that inquiries found the shooting legally justified. They acknowledged the profound effects such incidents have on families and police staff, committing to continual improvement in response strategies.

In conclusion, Coroner Robb’s report serves as a stark reminder of the need for reform within law enforcement practices. While the findings are a decade overdue, they lay the groundwork for future changes aimed at preventing similar incidents, emphasizing that the preservation of life must remain a core tenet of police operations.