Over 100 Police Officers Under Investigation After 30,000 False Breath Tests Exposed

A major internal investigation is underway after an audit revealed more than 30,000 alcohol breath tests were falsely recorded by New Zealand Police — prompting disciplinary action against over 100 officers.

The findings, uncovered through a nationwide data review, have been described by Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson as “incredibly disappointing and concerning.”

According to a memo sent to staff earlier this month, the Intelligence and Performance team within the National Road Policing Centre identified anomalies in breath test data while reviewing figures from July 2024 to August 2025. Out of more than 4.6 million tests analysed, the audit suggested that some were “simulated without the involvement of a driver.”

A subsequent and wider review — covering 5.3 million breath screening tests between July 2024 and September 2025 — confirmed that 30,961 tests had been “falsely or erroneously recorded.”

“This is not what we expect from our staff,” Johnson said. “It is important we hold our staff to account as the public has a right to expect we will go about our duty honestly and fairly. This does not in any way reflect the vast majority of our staff who act with honesty and integrity every day.”

Around 120 officers are now facing scrutiny under a disciplinary process, with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) overseeing proceedings. IPCA assurance manager Andrew MacNeill confirmed that the Authority had been informed of the audit results and provided with a framework for managing disciplinary action.

While the falsified data is serious, Johnson said the breach had not compromised overall road safety targets. Police still met their agreed commitment with the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and the Ministry of Transport to deliver 3.3 million breath tests per year, as part of the $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) launched last year.

“The data clearly shows either poor judgment or poor processes by a small number of staff using the testing devices,” Johnson said. “We have already reminded staff of their obligations with regard to breath testing processes.”

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he had been briefed and assured that the matter was being taken seriously. “The Commissioner and I have been very clear that standards and conduct must be maintained at the highest level across the police force,” he said.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop echoed those concerns, saying he had also been briefed and was “concerned” by the findings.

The falsification scandal comes months after the government praised police for delivering record-high levels of alcohol testing. In May, Mitchell and Bishop jointly announced that the crackdown on drink-driving had cut alcohol-related road deaths by nearly 40 percent in 2024.

Police data at the time showed more than 4.1 million breath tests were conducted that year — well above the annual target — with a 65 percent focus on high-risk hours.

Johnson said that despite the falsified records, police have strengthened internal auditing and training procedures to ensure future accuracy. “We are confident the required number of breath tests has been surpassed,” he said. “But this incident serves as a reminder that integrity and accuracy are non-negotiable.”