28 January 2004

Police Management Must Do Better - Mark

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark, has again called on Police headquarters and Minister George Hawkins to act more responsibly to support police officers, especially during the hours of darkness.

“I have criticized the practice of solo patrolling before, urging police managers to ensure that frontline officers are not exposed to unnecessary risks,” said Mr Mark.

“The incident on Monday night in which a solo officer was attacked and severely injured by two offenders highlights the danger faced by lone patrols and the practice must stop.

“Police management need to focus less on politically correct policing and place more emphasis on the protection and safety of frontline officers.

“In another recent incident, police officers who came under attack in a Christchurch bar have raised concerns about the increasing boldness of many of Christchurch’s night people.

“It is time police were given the resources needed to keep the city under control at night. Even the police themselves are not safe,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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