Officer in party

A police officer who was caught on camera insulting a woman and shoving an abusive man in the chest has avoided criminal charges.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) launched an investigation after the officer was caught on camera calling a woman ‘‘skanky’’, before pushing a man who had sworn at him to the ground.

The incident happened as police responded to an out-of-control party on Waimairi Rd in Christchurch on April 1.

In findings released yesterday, the IPCA said police found that the officer used inappropriate language and had assaulted a member of the public.

‘‘Police determined it was not in the public interest to prosecute the officer, as the officer accepted full responsibility, the person did not want the officer to be charged, and the officer met with the members of public for a restorative justice process.’’