The Report That Doesn't Match
You are a new constable on your first solo patrol with a senior officer, Constable Rangi. At 2 a.m., you attend a call about a 15-year-old boy who has been yelling at passers-by. When you arrive, the boy is sitting on a bench, calm. Constable Rangi grabs the boy by the arm, pushes him against the wall, and handcuffs him. The boy does not resist. Rangi then tells you to write in your report that the boy was 'aggressive and resisted arrest' so the charge will stick. You saw no aggression. Rangi says this is normal and that the boy has a history. You are still on probation and Rangi is your supervisor. You are asked to submit the report before the end of shift.
1. Which NZ Police values are engaged here, and what does each require?
Read the worked answer
Integrity is engaged because the report must be truthful; writing a false account is dishonest and could amount to perjury or misconduct. Respect is engaged because the boy was calm and the force used appears disproportionate; he should be treated with dignity. Professionalism is engaged because officers must use lawful and proportionate force and keep accurate records. Commitment to Māori and the Treaty may also be relevant if the boy is Māori, because it requires fair and culturally appropriate treatment, but the core duties apply regardless of his ethnicity. The values are not optional and do not switch off under pressure or during probation. A false report could undermine the prosecution, harm the boy, and damage trust in police. The correct action is to record what you saw, not what you are told to write.
2. What should you do in the next hour, and what are the risks of each option?
Read the worked answer
You have three broad options. Writing a false report carries risks of misconduct, dismissal, criminal liability, and harm to the boy. Refusing and writing the truth may create conflict with Rangi and anxiety about probation, but it is consistent with policy and integrity. Reporting the incident to a sergeant or professional standards immediately is the safest course. In the next hour you should write an accurate report, preserve your notes, and check whether body-worn camera footage exists. You should raise the use-of-force concern with a supervisor as soon as practicable. You should not edit the report to match Rangi's version. If pressured, say you are not comfortable and escalate. You should also check on the boy's welfare and ensure he receives medical attention if needed.
3. What are the likely consequences for you, Rangi, and the boy if you tell the truth?
Read the worked answer
For you, there may be tension with Rangi, but truthfulness is expected and you are more likely to be protected if you follow policy and report the concern promptly. For Rangi, an investigation into excessive force and attempted falsification could lead to disciplinary action or criminal charges. For the boy, the truth gives him a fair process and may prevent a wrongful charge; it also protects him from further harm. If you lie, you could face misconduct or criminal liability, lose your job, and contribute to a wrongful conviction. The truth may be uncomfortable, but it is the only defensible path. You should seek support from a trusted sergeant, the Police Association, or a welfare officer.