Police say they accept a report by the police watchdog which found an officer was justified in repeatedly using pepper spray during a brawl in Kaitāia two years ago.
The IPCA (Independent Police Conduct Authority) launched an investigation after complaints were received over an officer's conduct while trying to break up an 80-person fight.
Police were called to the brawl, which started outside the Awanui Hotel on Collard St on October 8, 2022.
One officer used pepper spray on a group of five people who refused to leave, and four of them eventually left.
But one man in the group approached the officer "in an aggressive manner", said Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj.
The officer pepper-sprayed him again, arrested him, and handed him a formal warning.
Later on, the man complained about excessive pepper spray use and the fact he wasn't decontaminated until back at the police station.
"We acknowledge we should have offered this sooner," said Supt Srhoj.
He said the officer used the pepper spray because he feared for his and others' safety.
"The IPCA found the officer was justified in using this tactic in these circumstances," he added.
Police have since told officers in Tai Tokerau/Northland to give aftercare "as soon as possible" when using pepper spray.
The officer has since resigned for unrelated reasons.
