Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has commissioned an independent analysis of breath testing data to identify the full scale of falsely recorded tests.
- Approximately 130 police staff are under investigation after 30,000 alcohol breath tests were "falsely or erroneously recorded".
- NZTA has halted $6 million worth of funding to police until they are satisfied that police have met their breath test targets.
- The independent analysis is expected to be completed early next year and will identify any further irregularities in the breath screening test data.
Introduction to the Issue
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of falsely recorded breath tests by commissioning an independent analysis of the data. This move comes after it was revealed that approximately 130 police staff were under investigation for their involvement in the falsification of around 30,000 alcohol breath tests. The NZTA has also halted $6 million worth of funding to the police until they are satisfied that the police have met their breath test targets. This decision highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for a thorough investigation to ensure that the data being used to inform road policing activity is accurate.
Background to the Investigation
The issue of falsely recorded breath tests first came to light when it was discovered that an algorithm used to determine if a second test took place within 90 seconds of the first, whilst the distance between the two indicated a speed of more than 20 km/h, had identified around 30,000 tests that did not meet these criteria. The police have been working to investigate these irregularities and have notified the NZTA that they are taking steps to address the issue. However, the NZTA has made it clear that they will not reinstate the funding until they are satisfied that the police have met their targets and that the data being used is accurate.
Independent Analysis
The independent analysis of the breath testing data is currently underway and is expected to be completed early next year. This analysis will identify any further irregularities in the data and provide a clearer picture of the scale of the issue. The NZTA has requested that the police provide assurance that the delivery numbers for breath screening tests and the wider road policing activity measures for the 2024/25 financial year and Q1 of the 2025/26 financial year are correct. The police have stated that they are working closely with the NZTA to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and are confident that once the data is confirmed as accurate, the funding will be authorized.
Response from the Transport Minister
The Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, has stated that the matter is "very concerning" and that it is important that it is resolved. He has also stated that the NZTA has kept him regularly updated on the progress of the investigation and that independent analysis is underway. The Minister has made it clear that the NZTA will have more to say on the issue early next year and that the police will continue to deliver "very high levels of breath testing activity" despite the issue.
Conclusion
The issue of falsely recorded breath tests is a serious one that has significant implications for road policing activity in New Zealand. The NZTA’s decision to commission an independent analysis of the data and to halt funding to the police until they are satisfied that the targets have been met highlights the need for accuracy and integrity in the data being used. The police have acknowledged the issue and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible. The outcome of the independent analysis will provide a clearer picture of the scale of the issue and will inform the next steps in addressing it.
