Tony Ryall

National Police Spokesperson

28 June 2004

Joe Average shouldn't be driving police cars

Non-sworn police officers should not be driving marked police cars, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall.

"Non-sworn staff do have an important role, but they are not qualified law enforcement officers.

Mr Ryall says the problem with driving marked police cars is this: the public may flag the car down only to find non-sworn Joe Average is behind the wheel and unable to help. That will cause ill-will towards Police at a time when they need support.

"According to the latest available information, in February it took Auckland Police an average of 23 hours and 10 minutes to respond to burglary inquiries.

"I am certain local people would say that sworn police would be better investigating crime scenes than collecting revenue with speed cameras," says Mr Ryall

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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