The Employment Relations Authority has found a police officer was rightfully dismissed after a complaint relating to a hat snatching.
In the early hours of May 9, 2010, an intoxicated young woman removed the officer’s police hat from his head while he was on duty in a central Christchurch nightclub.
The woman claimed the officer then placed her in a ‘headlock or choker’ hold, dragged her into the nightclub’s hallway, yelled at her, and dragged her outside.
The Employment Relations Authority found on the evidence available to the employer, the officer's attitude was disparaging and belittling.
Member Rosemary Monaghan says the conclusion that the force was excessive, was one a fair and reasonable employer could reach, and the dismissal was justified.
