A Central Otago police officer accused of being drunk and disorderly in Clyde in December has left the police force.
Police had decided not to lay charges against the officer.
Police had initially refused to comment on the occupation of the person involved.
Witnesses said the person was an off-duty officer who allegedly pushed someone and was verbally abusive while intoxicated in Sunderland St, Clyde, about 12.30am on December 20, 2015.
Four police cars attended the incident and various statements were taken from witnesses to the incident.
One of the witnesses said they and other witnesses were "over it'' and "all the police interviews and stuff we've had to do''.
The News understands the officer was on paid leave for about six months after the incident, and then left the police force.
Otago Lakes-Central area commander Inspector Olaf Jensen said police had "concluded a full investigation into this matter, which resulted in no charges being laid''.
Insp Jensen confirmed the officer in question had left the police force.
The officer's departure from the police was not related to the incident that was investigated, he said.
Asked if an internal police investigation had been done and if the officer received any disciplinary action, Insp Jensen said the matter was subject to an employment investigation and police could not comment further.
Neither would Insp Jensen comment about the officer having been on paid leave.
When asked why the investigation had taken so long, Insp Jensen said: "Police treat all reports of crime the same regardless of those involved. However, police officers, by the nature of their role, are often held to a higher standard.
"In this case, the matter was subject to a number of inquiries, including an employment investigation, which collectively took some time to complete.
"As this matter was subject to an employment investigation, police are unable to comment further.''
