Kris
Faafoi
Spokesperson for Police

labour.org.nz

6 March 2012

Massive budget cuts for police reported this morning will severely affect front line policing in all Kiwi communities, Labour’s Police spokesperson Kris Faafoi said today.

“Front line policing will not be able to maintained to current levels if National’s intentions are to slash $360 million dollars from the Budget over three years,” Kris Faafoi said.

“Fewer officers on the beat and less resources will only make the task of keeping our communities safer harder.

“Like all Government departments, police are being asked to do more with less. The department has a collective agreement to renew but cuts of the nature reported today won’t just make things tight, it will mean operationally, the police will be stretched.

“I agree with the Police Association that such proposed cuts will lead to police on the front line not being able to respond quickly to calls for assistance and the ability to prevent crime being diminished.

“National’s talked tough in this area but its commitment to a well-resourced and staffed police force is lacking.

“It began the year with deferring an intake of police recruits and now it looks like major budget cuts will see more front line officers taken off the beat.

“Police Budget cuts can’t deliver safer communities,” Kris Faafoi said.

ENDS

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