Ron Mark MP

New Zealand First Spokesperson

for Police and Deputy Leader
23 MARCH 2017

Minister Must Front up Over Police Staff Cuts

Minister of Police Paula Bennett must come clean and clarify how many police are losing their jobs in the coming weeks, says New Zealand First Police Spokesperson and Deputy Leader Rob Mark.

“From information New Zealand First has received, police are cutting highway patrol staff by 90 as well as their vehicle investigation unit by 26.

“We have also been advised approximately 200 staff will be laid off by July.

“The minister claimed in Parliament on Tuesday that police are being moved from road policing to general policing but she must clarify that position.

“Road safety is critically important and the New Zealand public must feel confident that we have sufficient highway patrol police to make that possible.

“Also, these staff cuts seem bizarrely odd when she has made bold statements that more police will on the frontline later this year,” says Mr Mark.

ENDS

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