Chris Bishop

National List MP based in Hutt South

Media statement

12 April 2017

More police on their way to Wellington

“The addition of 62 new police staff to the Wellington region is welcome news for the Hutt”, says Chris Bishop, National List MP based in the Hutt Valley.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush today announced further details of the Government’s $500 million Safer Communities package of 1125 more police staff, including 880 more frontline officers over the next four year.

“The increase in Police demonstrates the Government’s commitment to policing and protecting communities within the region. I know this news will be welcomed by people in the Hutt Valley.

“The Wellington District Commander will determine how to best utilise the newly available resources within the region, but additional resources will result in faster emergency responses, greater accountability for those who commit crime, and stronger support for victims.”

This investment in policing also means 95% of New Zealanders will live within 25km of a 24/7 patrolling police officer. It means a new 24/7 non-emergency police number, as well as resources targeted at disrupting and dismantling organised crime.

Twelve new mobile police stations are being set up around New Zealand and there will be new challenging targets for police, including 98 per cent of home burglaries attended within 48 hours and faster emergency response times.

The first intake of new recruits will begin in July, with the first recruits on the beat by November.

ENDS

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