More than 100 New Zealand police officers are under investigation after an internal audit revealed that over 30,000 alcohol breath tests were falsely or erroneously recorded, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) has learned.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson described the findings as “incredibly disappointing and concerning,” confirming that about 120 officers are now facing disciplinary scrutiny following the discovery.
According to an internal memo obtained by RNZ, the anomaly was detected in August 2025 when the Intelligence and Performance team within the National Road Policing Centre noticed irregularities in the data related to breath testing activities.
The memo stated that an audit of 4.6 million breath tests conducted between 1 July 2024 and 17 August 2025showed evidence of tests that were “simulated without the involvement of a driver.”
“This is not what we expect from our staff,” the memo read. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant about proper testing and recording processes,” RNZ reported.
Responding to RNZ’s inquiries, Johnson confirmed that a wider review of 5.3 million alcohol screening tests found 30,961 tests had been “falsely or erroneously recorded.”
Despite the falsified data, Johnson said the police had still met their obligation to deliver 3.3 million tests under the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP), agreed upon with the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and the Ministry of Transport.
“What is a concern, however, is that the data clearly shows either poor judgment or poor processes by a small number of staff,” he said. “We have already reminded staff of their obligations and provided further training,” RNZ quoted.
Johnson emphasised that the misconduct did not represent the wider police force. “The public has a right to expect honesty and fairness from us. This does not reflect the vast majority of our staff, who act with integrity every day,” as reported by RNZ.
Both Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed they had been briefed on the matter. Mitchell said police were “taking action and investigating the issue,” adding that “standards and conduct must be maintained at the highest level,” as reported by RNZ.
Bishop said he was “concerned” and acknowledged that police had launched a full investigation, reported RNZ.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has also been informed of the findings. Assurance manager Andrew MacNeill said the IPCA will oversee disciplinary processes and ensure proper accountability.
The revelation comes just over a year after the government announced a $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme, aimed at intensifying roadside alcohol testing to curb drunk driving.
Earlier this year, the government reported that the crackdown was delivering results, with alcohol-related deaths down nearly 40 per cent in 2024 and police surpassing their 3.3 million annual test target, conducting over 4.1 million tests in total.
While the overall programme’s goals remain on track, the latest findings have raised serious questions about data integrity and internal oversight within the police force.
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