Police have been cleared of wrongdoing in arresting a Wellington teen

But it's been found the restraint used on the 14-year-old was inappropriate.

In September last year police arrested the teen for disorderly behaviour outside a Tawa bar.

When he resisted being put in a patrol car, a police dog handler took him to the ground.

The teen and his mum complained of excessive force, and said the officer swore at him.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority says the officer was justified in the action, but it could've been done more safely.