Given repeated IPCA findings identifying duty-of-care failures in Police custody, what systemic reforms are being implemented to ensure such failures do not recur?

Answer

I am advised that Police are implementing a range of systemic reforms to strengthen duty of care practices in custody and prevent recurrence of identified failures. A comprehensive review of the People in Police Custody policy was completed and published in February 2026 following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the Independent Police Conduct Authority. The revised policy strengthens risk mitigation measures, enhances safety for staff and detainees, and raises the expected standard of care across the custodial environment. These policy changes are supported by improved training and operational tools, including a comprehensive induction package for officers working in custody roles and enhancements to the Electronic Monitoring Console (ECM) to better support compliance and oversight. I am further advised that Police has reviewed training for Custody Authorised Officers and will introduce a four week residential training programme at the Royal New Zealand Police College from July 2026, followed by a programme of structured workplace assessments. This is a significant uplift of previous training arrangements and will better prepare staff whose primary role is for caring for people in Police custody. The National Custody Team has developed advanced, role specific training programmes for custodial leaders. These courses are targeted at Custody Sergeants and Custody Authorised Officers and are designed to deepen professional knowledge and address common risks identified through previous incidents and ongoing custody audit findings.