A lot to learn for Police, after its watchdog has found an officer should've been charged with a criminal offence

The Independent Police Conduct Authority says an officer used excessive force arresting a man who had tried to run officers over in Auckland last year, after a family harm incident.

It says the officer kicked and punched the man as he lay face down with his hands behind his head.

Superintendent Karyn Malthus says such events are fast moving, and officers are forced to assess risk in seconds.

She says Police continually train on assessing risk, and changing tactics in different situations.