Dunedin police deny accusations of brutality after a video emerged of an officer throwing a punch at a man during an arrest. The man was stopped because his car had no warrant of fitness or registration. The man acknowledged spitting at police and being a "smart-arse", but still felt the punch crossed a line. "I’m pretty sure you have to use reasonable force — that seemed like excessive force. Prof Henaghan said police must use a reasonable amount of force while restraining someone and punching was not restraining.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 06, 2023 20:54 UTC