Police probe actions of officer who took phone from witness after pepper spray incident

New Zealand police have launched an investigation into the conduct of an officer who confiscated a mobile phone from a witness following a pepper spray incident. The inquiry follows reports that the officer deployed the spray in an effort to regain control of an unfolding situation.

Authorities are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the officer's actions and the subsequent seizure of the recording device. The investigation aims to determine whether the officer’s use of force and the removal of the witness's phone were consistent with official police protocols.