Three Taranaki police officers charged with manslaughter over the death of a man in custody last year have pleaded not guilty.
Police said earlier this month that three officers had been charged with manslaughter over the death of an individual at the Hāwera Police Station on June 1 last year.
The trio appeared in the New Plymouth High Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged they were "grossly negligent in their duty of care" of the 55-year-old victim and that this was a "casual factor in his death".
All three officers were stood down from their duties and an employment process will follow in due course, police said at the time.
"The decision to file charges was made after a thorough investigation and consideration of legal advice from the New Plymouth Crown Solicitor and a Queen's Counsel," police said earlier this month.
"The victim's family has been advised of the Police decision to lay charges."
The officers and the victim currently have their names suppressed.
