New Zealand Police Mandate Breath Test Training after Falsification Scandal

Every police officer in New Zealand is now required to complete an online training module for alcohol breath testing. This directive follows the investigation of over 100 officers for allegedly falsifying results from alcohol breath tests, with reports indicating that around 30,000 tests were “falsely or erroneously recorded.” The discrepancies were revealed after the police developed a new algorithm to analyze testing data, as the testing devices were unable to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate results.

In a memo sent to police staff, the agency acknowledged that the “recent discovery” of inaccurately recorded breath tests has “led to trust and confidence impacts for police, including with our partner agencies.” The New Zealand Police expressed their commitment to restoring public trust through this training initiative.

Mandatory Training to Restore Public Trust

The training module, which became available on November 1, 2023, will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. It covers essential topics such as proper device operation, docking and data download procedures, and emphasizes the importance of breath screening for road safety. Officers must complete the training by December 4, 2023. The initiative is particularly timely as the police prepare for the busy summer season.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers addressed the issue during a recent interview, stating, “We are aware that this matter has impacted public trust and confidence in our breath testing regime, and we are committed to putting this right.” She explained that the officers involved had reportedly recorded more tests than they had conducted, often while in moving vehicles. This behavior allowed the algorithm to flag results that fell “outside the normal parameters.”

Rogers noted that some work groups within the police had multiple members identified in the investigation. Despite having conducted 4.2 million legitimate tests last year, which resulted in the lowest number of alcohol-related deaths on New Zealand roads, she expressed disappointment at the actions of certain staff members.

Investigation and Accountability Measures

The police have not ruled out the possibility of criminal investigations against those who falsified a significant number of tests. Rogers remarked, “I can’t predict what’s going to come from those employment investigations… But if we were to identify criminal offending, then that’s what we would address.” Currently, none of the implicated staff have been suspended.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the falsified tests occurred nationwide, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motivations behind such actions. The spokesperson indicated that the police had exceeded their national target of 3.3 million tests by approximately 900,000, raising questions about the pressures staff may have felt to meet performance metrics.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) became aware of the issue in September 2023 and has expressed concern about the implications for road safety. A spokesperson stated, “Drink-driving enforcement is a key part of ensuring safety on New Zealand’s roads.” They are monitoring the situation closely and have requested further information from the police.

As the police move forward with their internal investigations and training efforts, the Ministry of Transport has also been briefed and is working in collaboration with the NZTA and police to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in New Zealand’s road safety measures.