Story perspectives

New Zealand Police Probe Inflated Alcohol Breath Test Results

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand police are investigating falsified alcohol breath tests detected by an algorithm in readings from officers in moving cars.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said targets have been effective, contributing to the lowest alcohol-related deaths last year.
Authorities say 4.2 million tests were legitimate, while some officers inflated numbers to meet targets.
An employment investigation is ongoing; no officers have been suspended, and misconduct involves a small number of staff.

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Story summary

New Zealand police are investigating falsified alcohol breath tests detected by an algorithm in readings from officers in moving cars.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said targets have been effective, contributing to the lowest alcohol-related deaths last year.
Authorities say 4.2 million tests were legitimate, while some officers inflated numbers to meet targets.
An employment investigation is ongoing; no officers have been suspended, and misconduct involves a small number of staff.