Police welcome IPCA report into shooting

The IPCA report into the fatal shooting of Shayne Sime in Christchurch last year clearly supports Police in adoption of sound procedures and tactics and that police were justified in arming themselves and using lethal force to bring about a resolution said Assistant Commissioner Nicholls.

"This reflects very well on those officers involved in dealing with a very dangerous incident involving the indiscriminant use of high-powered firearms," said Mr Nicholls.

"It was incredibly fortunate, given the number of shots fired, that no one, other than the offender, was seriously hurt or killed. This operation was appropriately managed and brought a dangerous situation to a conclusion in the diffusing of a dangerous, armed incident."

The IPCA found "Police were justified in arming themselves and deploying the Armed Offenders Squad to deal with the situation. There is no evidence that the actions of Police were contrary to law, irresponsible, unjustified, unfair or unreasonable"

Police acknowledge the recommendations made in the Report and will given consideration to the recommendation regarding the recording of radio channels used by AOS.

A review of aspects of the Police Arms Manual will occur.

Processes have been put in place to ensure that independent and random auditing of firearms licence files occurs.

All these measures will build an even more robust process around the issuing of firearms licences and the vetting of licence holders in the interests of public safety said Mr Nicholls.