Officer found guilty of serious misconduct for unauthorised database searches
Thursday 17 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Independent Police Conduct Authority
An off-duty officer used the national police database to conduct background checks on potential flatmates and neighbours near a house he intended to buy. An investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority found the officer breached technology and information policies during 2024 and 2025.
Key facts
4 facts
- The officer used the National Intelligence Application (NIA) for unauthorised searches
- Unauthorised searches took place during 2024 and 2025
- The officer's actions were classified as serious misconduct
- The officer remains employed by New Zealand Police
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
An off-duty police officer has been found to have committed serious misconduct by using the national police database for personal reasons. The officer conducted unauthorised searches on houses neighbouring a property he was interested in purchasing and on individuals being considered as potential flatmates.
An audit by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) uncovered these unauthorised searches, which occurred during 2024 and 2025. The investigation also revealed that the officer shared police information regarding the potential flatmates with his partner.
Police concluded that the officer breached policies regarding the acceptable use of information and technology. Acting Waitematā District Commander Matt Laurenson stated, "The officer's actions were disappointing and in clear breach of the standards expected of staff".
The IPCA oversaw the investigation and expressed satisfaction with how the police handled the matter. Following an employment process, the officer remains employed by New Zealand Police.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the specific database used as the National Intelligence Application (NIA), while the other refers to it generally as the force's database
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.