Face of the Day

A judicial review has been filed challenging the police’s investigation into the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Kaoss Price, near New Plymouth in April 2022.

The legal action, brought by Price’s mother, Jillian Hana, follows the police’s decision not to prosecute or pursue disciplinary action against the officer who shot and killed her son, her legal team said in a statement on Friday.

That decision was later called into question when an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report found the shooting unjustified, and the force used to be excessive.

The family said they understand in 42 IPCA investigations into fatal police shootings since 1990, there was only one other instance where the IPCA found a fatal police shooting unjustified.

Christopher Stevenson KC, who represents Price’s whānau, alongside Julia Spelman, said in the statement Friday, “We’re aware this filing comes amid growing public concern about police investigating themselves.

“When the state entrusts police to exercise lethal force, and then to investigate their own actions, they must be held to the same standard as every other New Zealander would be. Especially when those actions result in the death of a young man.”

Stuff