20 October 2004

Hon. Tony Ryall MP National Police spokesman

Who will take responsibility for 111 debacle?

National Party Police spokesman Tony Ryall wants to know who will take responsibility for the events surrounding the Piha 111 call made by missing woman Iraena Asher.

"It is well known that the police 111 system is under considerable pressure in Auckland," Mr Ryall says. "Response rates are extremely variable. Locals know that because of under-staffing it can take ages for police to respond to calls.

"The Piha 111 situation is symptomatic of wider problems in the police in Greater Auckland, but neither top police nor the Minister are prepared to shoulder their responsibilities. Once again, a lowly officer will take the heat when he or she has been working with inadequate resources.

"The failure of Ministers to take responsibility for faults in their departments is now spreading like a cancer down through the public sector.

"Chris Carter is ducking for cover over the local government STV poll debacle, and you watch George Hawkins do the same over this.

"Underlings are hung out to dry, while their bosses, like their Ministers, shrug off any blame and still collect salaries based on their responsibilities," Mr Ryall says.

"Who will show leadership and take responsibility for this latest situation?"

ENDS

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