New Zealand Police Mandate Breath Test Training for Officers

New Zealand Police have mandated that all frontline officers complete a new training module focused on alcohol breath testing. This decision follows an internal review that revealed discrepancies in tens of thousands of breath tests, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the police’s alcohol testing regime.

The issue first surfaced in August 2023 when police noted anomalies in the breath testing data. An audit of approximately 4.6 million tests conducted between July 2024 and August 2025 uncovered instances where tests were recorded without any driver involvement. Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson indicated that a broader review of 5.3 million tests performed between July 2024 and September 2025 identified 30,961 tests that were falsely or erroneously logged.

Relieving Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers acknowledged the impact of these revelations on public trust. “We are committed to putting this right,” she stated. To rebuild confidence, the police executive has introduced an online training module that all constabulary staff must complete within the next four weeks. Rogers emphasized that this training will reinforce proper protocols and expectations for officers, especially with the busy summer season approaching.

The police department stated that the irregularities were detected through existing data monitoring systems, which enabled proactive management of the situation. According to RNZ, the police are striving to ensure the integrity of their alcohol testing program, a critical component in enforcing road safety.

In light of these developments, New Zealand Police aim to restore public confidence in their operations. The mandatory training represents a significant step towards ensuring that officers are fully equipped to uphold the standards expected by the community.