Report shows police desperately short of staff

National’s Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power, says it is clear from the police briefing to the incoming minister that the department is desperately short of staff in most areas.

“This report is of great concern and shows that this Government has been hiding the real problems in the police.

“The report says 600 to 700 police will have to be recruited each year to allow for attrition and to meet the extra demands on the frontline. But that is only the beginning.

“It also pinpoints the need for more frontline supervision – sergeants, senior sergeants and CIB – to improve staff safety and professional standards management in cities where there are many less experienced staff.”

The report says extra staff are also needed for:

Criminal investigations, to reduce the number of files that are not being investigated, and specialists to tackle organised and electronic crime, and complex fraud.

Police youth services, to reduce youth offending and re-offending.

Regional security needs, with more overseas posts needed to bolster connection and understanding of terrorism.

“The report also points to the very real problem of bureaucracy and red tape which are bogging down frontline police, something National was talking about as recently as last week.

“In short, this report confirms what National has been saying for the past couple of years – that the police are seriously short of staff,” Mr Power says.

“This report is a disgraceful reflection of the past six years of Labour. They have let the police effectiveness slide by ignoring the need for more resources. This Minister has a lot of work to do to restore the effectiveness of our police.”

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