Long term future for Police looks bleak

Budget 2013 has been a major disappointment for our Police and a backwards step in building safer communities, Labour’s Police spokesman Kris Faafoi said today.

“There is nothing in the Budget for Police, in fact it is an ominous sign of tougher times ahead under National.

“This year close to $40 million dollars has been cut from the Police budget and forecasts show that Police will get less than current baseline funding over the next three years.

“Minister Anne Tolley is turning a blind eye to police concerns. The Police Association couldn’t be clearer about the impact of this budget -- it undermines frontline policing and exploits the efforts of our dedicated cops.

“When police are pressed for time, victims of crime suffer. If cops are forced to cut corners, we all lose out.

“The sad fact is the pressure on our police will result in Kiwis not feeling safe in their communities. Warnings have been sounded that without adequate resourcing gains made tackling the P-epidemic, and plugging gaps in the 111 emergency system will be lost.

“Today, there are 219 fewer frontline officers on the beat than in June last year and the number of experienced officers resigning continues to climb. With a loss of institutional knowledge and little to look forward to, frontline morale may become a serious concern.

“The Minister is happy to turn up to a photo-op to crush a car, but won’t address the damaging effects of her budget cuts,” Kris Faafoi said.

ends

© Scoop Media