No charges will be laid against an Otago police officer accused of an off-duty assault at a party last year.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The complainant accused the officer of smashing her face into the bonnet of a car at a fancy dress party in July last year.
Southern district commander Superintendent Paul Basham said a police investigation found there was insufficient evidence to charge anybody.
It is understood the investigation was carried out by officers in a different location to where the officer worked, and the file was reviewed in Wellington.
"After a thorough inquiry and careful consideration by the police legal team it has been established that there is insufficient evidence to charge anybody in relation to this matter therefore no criminal charges will be laid," Mr Basham said.
"We hold our staff to a high standard and expect them to model our police values through all parts of their personal and professional lives.
"While no criminal charges will be laid, an employment investigation will now commence in order to establish if there has been any departure from police core values or the police code of conduct."
Police would not comment further while the employment investigation was ongoing.
