New Zealand Police Mandate Alcohol Breath Test Training for All Officers

All police officers in New Zealand are now required to complete an online training module focused on alcohol breath testing. This decision comes in response to findings that over 120 staff members are under investigation for allegedly falsifying results from approximately 30,000 breath tests. The issue was uncovered after the police implemented a new algorithm to analyze testing data, which revealed discrepancies that the testing devices could not identify.

The New Zealand Police issued a memo outlining the situation, stating that the “recent discovery” of inaccuracies has adversely affected public trust and confidence in the police force. They emphasize their commitment to restoring this trust, particularly as the summer period approaches, which typically sees an increase in road usage.

Jill Rogers, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the New Zealand Police, addressed the situation during an interview with RNZ and acknowledged the impact on public confidence in their breath testing regime. According to Rogers, the investigation revealed that some officers recorded breath tests that did not occur. “What these staff have done is, either at the start of the shift or during the shift, at the end of the shift, they’ve clicked the device that they’re all issued with more times than have actually seen them interacting with a motorist,” she explained.

As part of their response, the mandatory online training module is designed to cover essential topics such as the proper operation of breath testing devices and the significance of accurate data recording. The module is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to complete and must be finished by December 4, 2023.

This training initiative follows revelations that the falsified tests were conducted nationwide, raising concerns about the integrity of the policing process. Rogers indicated that the police are working to understand the motivations behind these actions, suggesting that some staff may have felt pressure to meet performance targets. She did not rule out the possibility of a criminal investigation into those who falsified a significant number of tests, stating, “If we were to identify criminal offending, then that’s what we would address.”

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been monitoring the situation closely. A spokesperson confirmed to RNZ that they were informed of the issue in September. “Drink-driving enforcement is a key part of ensuring safety on New Zealand’s roads, and NZTA is very concerned that this has occurred,” they stated. They also noted that increased enforcement typically correlates with improved road safety outcomes.

The police have conducted over 4.2 million legitimate alcohol breath tests in recent times, with last year witnessing the lowest number of alcohol-related fatalities on the roads in New Zealand. This context adds to the disappointment expressed by Rogers regarding the actions of the staff involved in the investigation.

As the police prepare to implement the new training measures, there is a clear focus on reinforcing the importance of accurate breath testing for public safety. Both the police and NZTA are working together to ensure that this incident does not undermine the collective efforts to maintain road safety across the country.