A slap on the wrist for an officer who tasered a teenage tractor thief

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the officer's use of a taser on the 15-year-old, was an unreasonable and excessive use of force.

The incident occurred in April last year when the teen stole the tractor in Kaiwaka and drove to Wellsford, sparking a police pursuit when he failed to stop.

During the pursuit, the tractor travelled at a maximum speed of 18 kilometres an hour.

The teenager eventually stopped but left the engine running, and an officer fired a taser.

Authority Chair Judge Colin Doherty says the officer's actions could have resulted in an unnecessary injury to the boy.

Police accept there were other tactical options that could have been used.