A former police negotiator says the watchdog investigation into the shooting of Tom Phillips shows confusion over who was in charge. 

The Independent Police Conduct Authority finds the officer was justified in shooting the fugitive - who had been missing with his children for four years. 

It points out an officer sought clarification from the District Commander three times before a response. 

Lance Burdett says it is a sign of how dynamic the situation was. 

"When you are starting to ask for - is there a command, what's the decision, who's going to make a decision? That means that perhaps the experience on the ground isn't as good as it could have been. And somebody should have stepped up." 

LISTEN ABOVE

A former police negotiator says the watchdog investigation into the shooting of Tom Phillips shows confusion over who was in charge.&nbsp;
The Independent Police Conduct Authority finds the officer was justified in shooting the fugitive - who had been missing with his children for four years.&nbsp;
It points out an officer sought clarification from the District Commander three times before a response.&nbsp;
Lance Burdett says it is a sign of how dynamic the situation was.&nbsp;
"When you are starting to ask for - is there a command, what's the decision, who's going to make a decision? That means that perhaps the experience on the ground isn't as good as it could have been. And somebody should have stepped up."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Lance Burdett: former police negotiator on the watchdog investigation into the shooting of Tom Phillips

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4a96b97b-5655-42fd-82bd-b4ac005c669b/transcript