Independent Police Conduct Authority

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) (Māori: Mana Whanonga Pirihimana Motuhake) is an independent civilian oversight body that considers complaints against the New Zealand Police and oversees their conduct. It derives its responsibilities and powers from the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act. Under section 12(1) of the Act, the Authority's functions are to receive complaints alleging misconduct or neglect of duty by police employees; or concerning any practice, policy, or procedure of New Zealand Police and to take action as contemplated by the Act. It may also investigate any police incident involving death or serious bodily harm and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Police based on those investigations.

The Authority also monitors conditions of detention and treatment of detainees in police custody. In this respect, the IPCA is one of several "national preventive mechanisms" designated in 2007 under an amendment to the Crimes of Torture Act. Other agencies with responsibility for monitoring places of detention include the Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Children's Commissioner, and the Office of the Ombudsmen. Together, these agencies including the IPCA, have joint responsibility to uphold New Zealand's commitment to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment (OPCAT).