Minister of Police Hon. George Hawkins said Police ought to use cell-phones wisely.

"Police ought to be reminded that millions of dollars was wasted on the INCIS computer debacle. The previous National-led government allowed the Police to spend tens of millions of dollars on INCIS. That was tax-payers money down the drain," George Hawkins said.

"When ministers of the Crown fail to watch the pennies, pounds are wasted. I do not intend to allow wastage in the Police organisation like the succession of National led government ministers did," George Hawkins said.

"Police must realise that they ought not use issued cell-phones for private use. Nor should an officer make sex-calls on a Police issued cell-phone. This has happened. This should not be tolerated.

"Police received $86 million extra in this year's Labour/Alliance Budget. I expect that every dollar of tax-payers money to be used wisely.

"I expect that Police District Commanders will be monitoring cell-phone use carefully. It is right that District Commanders decide who requires a cell-phone, for their work as Police officers, and who does not," George Hawkins said.

"Those officers who require a cell-phone should be issued with one. Those who do not require a cell-phone should not be issued with one.

"I expect Police to operate efficiently. Any savings made from pruning wastage will remain with Police and used to combat crime," George Hawkins said.

Ends

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