Simon Power MP National Party Law & Order Spokesman

21 June 2006

Fewer, not more, cops on the beat

Latest Police figures reveal there were fewer frontline police in May than at the beginning of the Government's financial year, says National's Law and Order spokesman, Simon Power.

The May 2006 Police HR Scorecard shows that as at 31 May there were 7,306 sworn officers - 59 less than the 7,365 there were on 30 June 2005.

The scorecard also shows:

* There are 206 fewer officers now than have been budgeted for, while non-sworn staff are over budget by 67 (includes 'decoy cops'). * The attrition rate in the year to May 2006 is up to 5%, from just over 4% in March 2004. * The number of resignations has increased by 27%, from 203 to 258. * The number of retirements has increased by 72%, from 47 to 81.

"These figures show clearly that this campaign is well behind the eight-ball before it even starts.

"Rather than police numbers increasing, they are going down, and this further supports my concern that Labour and NZ First have promised the public more than they can deliver," says Mr Power.

"The Police Association and Deputy Commissioner Lyn Provost both say that due to attrition, the Police will need to recruit 2,250 to get the 1,000 extra officers.

"How can Police Minister Annette King continue to claim they will add 1,000 extra sworn police to the current ranks by the next election?"

ENDS

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