But an IPCA report, released today, said it had found "on the balance of probabilities" that Dennis and Perry "unlawfully detained" the boy on both occasions. The report said "Inspector Dennis' actions in attempting to force [the boy] to comply with his family's wishes were an abuse of his influence, power and authority as a police inspector". Photo: FileA senior airport-based officer had also directed other officers to unlawfully detain the teenager, the report found. Several officers involved in detaining the teenager under orders from a superior were also criticised by the IPCA, which said they should have questioned Dennis' actions. The IPCA said police should have conducted an employment investigation into Dennis' actions concurrent with the criminal investigation process.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 13, 2019 23:59 UTC