Police are acknowledging IPCA findings that Dunedin officers were wrong to pursue a fleeing driver, who afterwards fatally crashed

Michael McClelland broke into a bottle store in May 2023, with four others -- stealing beer crates and fleeing in a stolen car.

Police quickly abandoned a pursuit because of the unsafe driving - and the car later lost control, killing McClelland.

It's been found officers didn't follow some protocols, but Police weren't the direct cause of the crash.

Spokesperson, Jason Guthrie says the fast-moving incident required split-second judgement -- and they've reminded staff of their policies.