Auckland, New Zealand — A recent coroner’s report has raised serious concerns about police procedures following the in-custody death of a man suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. The man, identified as Ngata, died after being detained by police under distressing circumstances that included the use of a spit hood and restraints.
Ngata’s death, which occurred shortly after his arrest in July 2018, prompted an inquest that concluded with recommendations for significant changes in police protocol, especially concerning the monitoring of detainees suspected of being in altered states of consciousness.
The report released by Coroner Matthew Bates highlighted the need for police to receive improved training on the use of spit hoods and to develop more effective systems for assessing the health and consciousness levels of detainees. These recommendations aim to prevent future incidents of positional asphyxia, a risk that the coroner noted was evident in Ngata’s arrest and subsequent handling.
On the day of his tragic end, Ngata was visibly troubled, exhibiting severe agitation and paranoia. He had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and substance use disorder. A toxicology report revealed methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids in his system, which the coroner described as contributing factors to his erratic behavior that included violent outbursts and hallucinations.
Ngata’s encounter with the police turned critical after he violently assaulted 78-year-old musician Mike Reilly, leaving the elderly man in a coma for months. Police responded to the scene and after a struggle, restrained Ngata with handcuffs, leg restraints, and a spit hood before transporting him to the Auckland Custody Unit.
Upon arrival, officers carried Ngata into the cell where they left him lying on the floor in a prone position, still hooded and restrained. Minutes later, officers re-entered the cell to find him unresponsive. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, Ngata was transported to the hospital where he never regained consciousness and died three days later.
Investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) found the initial use of tactical options during Ngata’s apprehension appropriate given the circumstances. However, they criticized the custody staff’s failure to adequately monitor his condition post-arrest.
The emotional toll of the incident was evident, impacting all who knew Ngata, including his family who declined to comment, and the officers involved in the case. The aftermath of the event led to profound scrutiny of police protocols, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health crises.
Coroner Bates’ findings emphasize the importance of proper detainee care and the critical need for continuous monitoring. His recommendations push for the reassessment of the use of spit hoods, suggesting their potential role in exacerbating health risks and obscuring critical signs of distress that require immediate medical attention.
In addition to procedural changes, the report suggests fostering a greater awareness among law enforcement personnel of the acute symptoms and behaviors resulting from substance abuse and mental health issues. This strategy aims not only to ensure the safety of detainees but also to support police officers in managing complex, high-stress situations more effectively.
Police spokespersons emphasized the challenging nature of the incident, citing Ngata’s aggressive and unpredictable behavior as a significant factor in the handling of his case. They acknowledged the tragic outcome and expressed a commitment to reviewing and improving their practices in response to the coroner’s recommendations.
The case of Ngata serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities at the intersection of law enforcement and mental health. It underscores the urgent need for policies that equip police officers to better manage individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, ensuring that safety and humanity guide their responses.