Police have been cleared of using force against a Christchurch youth behaving violently during an arrest

In 2020, during a family harm call-out, a youth kicked at one officer, striking one after refusing to cooperate with being handcuffed.

The arresting officer took the youth to the ground, and used distraction techniques during the handcuffing.

The youth was struck in the head four times to gain control of their arms.

The Independent Conduct Authority found although any strike to the head should only be in extreme circumstances, it was justified.

Police have accepted the findings.