New Zealand Police Mandate Breath Test Training After False Reports

A significant overhaul is underway within the New Zealand Police following reports that over 100 officers are under investigation for falsifying alcohol breath tests. In response, all police officers have been mandated to complete an online training module focused on proper breath testing procedures.

The necessity for this training arises from an alarming revelation that approximately 120 officers are implicated in the manipulation of nearly 30,000 alcohol breath tests, which were recorded either falsely or erroneously. This issue was uncovered after the police implemented a new algorithm to analyze testing data, as the breath testing devices were unable to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent tests.

A memo circulated among staff on December 4, 2023, highlighted the impact of these findings on public trust. It noted that the “recent discovery” of improperly recorded breath tests has resulted in decreased confidence in police operations, including among partner agencies. The memo emphasized the police’s commitment to restoring this trust, stating, “Your professional approach to breath screening saves lives and maintains public confidence in our road safety efforts.”

The online training module, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, covers essential topics such as proper device operation, docking and data download procedures, and the critical importance of breath screening in ensuring road safety. Officers are required to complete this training by December 4, 2023, to enhance their understanding of responsibilities as the summer surge period approaches.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers spoke to RNZ about the situation, acknowledging that the misconduct has severely impacted public trust in the police’s breath testing regime. She stated, “This training will reinforce correct practices and expectations, and ensure every staff member understands their responsibilities.”

The investigation revealed that some officers had manipulated test recordings either at the beginning or end of their shifts. This misconduct raised flags when the algorithm detected numbers that fell outside the usual parameters. Rogers expressed her disappointment, particularly noting that a significant number of those implicated were members of the dedicated road policing teams. “We’ve done 4.2 million legitimate tests. I’m baffled why they felt the need to clip the ticket,” she remarked.

While the reasons behind the falsifications are still being explored, Rogers suggested that some officers may have exceeded their legitimate testing numbers to give the appearance of fulfilling their work responsibilities. She did not rule out the possibility of a criminal investigation into those who have significantly inflated their test records, noting, “If we were to identify criminal offending, then that’s what we would address.”

Currently, no officers have been suspended, and Rogers emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation processes to unfold, reassuring the public that robust frameworks are in place to handle such matters.

The falsification incidents occurred nationwide, with police spokespersons confirming that they had far exceeded the national target of 3.3 million tests set by the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) by an additional 900,000 tests. This surge in testing raises questions about the motives behind the inflated numbers.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) became aware of the issue in September and expressed serious concern regarding the integrity of drink-driving enforcement. A spokesperson stated, “Drink-driving enforcement is a key part of ensuring safety on New Zealand’s roads,” and emphasized the agency’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely while requesting further information from the police.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Transport confirmed they had been briefed on the matter and are collaborating with both the NZTA and the police to ensure the issue is managed effectively. The spokesperson noted their concern about the occurrences and the importance of restoring public confidence in the road safety initiatives.

With the summer season approaching, the New Zealand Police are making urgent efforts to reaffirm their dedication to road safety and public trust through mandatory training and investigations into the troubling misconduct.