An Auckland policeman has landed himself in hot water after allowing two punters at a charity motorsport event to faux-attack him and hold a gun to his head for a photograph.
The image posted to social networking sites shows the uniformed officer bent over his car, arms pulled behind his back as two men, one brandishing a rifle, restrain him and pose for the camera.
The photograph, taken at the Cannonball Run event in Auckland, entertained many online bloggers but the police bosses are not laughing, issuing a statement saying the image was staged and "not appropriate".
"The images record a police officer's participation in a charity fundraising event, but are not appropriate," Waitemata police district commander Superintendent William Searle said.
"Until such time as the full circumstances are established we're not in a position to comment any further."
Certainly some of the hundreds who viewed the photo online agreed, arguing it probably was not wise to publish hoax attacks on those charged with protecting citizens.
NZN