A New Zealand police officer has pleaded guilty to reckless driving and dishonestly accessing confidential police records after taking his brother-in-law on an unauthorised patrol car ride that reached 146km/h.
The constable also searched restricted police records for personal information about his brother-in-law’s former partner. According to an NZ Herald Open Justice report published on October 18, 2026, he wanted to impress his relative by demonstrating his access to privileged information.
The officer, whose identity is legally suppressed, has reportedly been stood down but remains employed by New Zealand Police. Sentencing is scheduled for February 2027.
Police Officer Admits Database Misuse and Reckless Driving
The constable pleaded guilty to two representative charges: dishonestly accessing a computer system and reckless driving.
According to the police summary of facts, the misconduct involved unauthorised database searches during 2023 and 2024, followed by a dangerous patrol car journey in 2025.
The case raises questions about police accountability, access to confidential information and the use of emergency vehicles for personal purposes.
Confidential Records Accessed to Impress Brother-in-Law
In 2024, the officer repeatedly used the Police National Intelligence Application (NIA) database to search for information about his brother-in-law’s former partner.
He obtained details about her current and previous boyfriends and family members before sharing information with his relative.
Police said the constable wanted to increase his perceived importance, influence and credibility by demonstrating his access to privileged records.
The NIA database contains sensitive personal information, intelligence reports, incident records and vehicle registration details.
Officer Previously Used Police Database for Car Deals
The unauthorised searches began earlier, during personal vehicle transactions in 2023.
The constable checked whether a car he had sold had been transferred into its buyer’s name. He also searched two vehicles he was considering purchasing to determine whether they were of police interest.
While inspecting another vehicle with his brother-in-law, he checked its registration details on his phone in front of the seller.
After discovering that the seller was not the registered owner, he questioned whether the proposed sale was legitimate.
146km/h Police Car Joyride With Sirens Blaring
The reckless driving incident occurred in 2025 when the officer was assigned a marked patrol car to attend court.
At approximately 1pm, he stopped at home and invited his brother-in-law for a drive.
In a residential area with a 50km/h speed limit, he activated the patrol car’s red and blue emergency lights and siren before accelerating to approximately 146km/h.
The police summary detailed several dangerous speeds:
- 146km/h in a 50km/h residential zone.
- 101km/h through a roadworks section.
- 135km/h in an 80km/h semi-rural area.
- 141km/h in a 60km/h zone.
- 122km/h after passing another police vehicle.
The officer crossed onto the opposite side of the road ahead of oncoming traffic and overtook motorists who had pulled over for his emergency lights.
Officer Switched Off Sirens Near Another Police Car
While approaching another police vehicle, the constable briefly slowed down and switched off his lights and siren.
After turning left, he accelerated again, reaching approximately 122km/h with the siren operating.
He subsequently sped past a primary school and overtook additional vehicles that moved aside.
His brother-in-law filmed the officer driving and laughing during the journey.
The outing lasted less than an hour. The constable dropped off his passenger and returned the patrol car to the police station.
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Case Raises Concerns About Police Powers and Public Safety
The misconduct highlights two separate risks: confidential police information being used for personal purposes and motorists responding to emergency signals during an unauthorised drive.
New Zealand’s Independent Police Conduct Authority publishes findings involving police conduct, including separate investigations into database misuse and driving offences.
Police responses to serious incidents have also featured in a separate Nelson shooting investigation, where officers responded after two people were found dead.
Public safety concerns involving emergency vehicles were highlighted in another Auckland ambulance attack, which left six ambulances temporarily unavailable.
Sentencing Expected in February 2027
When questioned by police, the constable declined to comment.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to both representative charges and is expected to be sentenced in February 2027.
His exact sentencing date, potential penalties and future employment status have not been confirmed.
The officer’s identity remains legally suppressed. No sentence has yet been imposed.
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