12 April 2017

Police to get big boost in Wellington

National’s Wellington Central candidate Nicola Willis says today’s announcement of a significant boost in Police resources for the district will make communities safer.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush today announced further details of the Government’s $503 million Safer Communities package which included a target of having 95 per cent of New Zealanders within 25 kilometres of patrolling police 24 hours a day, and 880 more frontline officers.

“It’s fantastic to see the Wellington Police District will receive 62 new frontline officers, on top of the 776 already employed,” Ms Willis says.
“This is a fantastic result for our area. Our men and women on the beat deal with some of the most difficult situations and work hard all hours of the day to keep our homes, roads and businesses safe.

"It's up to District Commanders to work through how these new officers are allocated across our region but Wellingtonians will undoubtedly benefit. Police will be focused on meeting new Government targets including 98% per cent of home burglaries attended within 48 hours, faster emergency response times and targeting organised crime.

"News of the successful Police operation which has resulted in the arrests of Wellington gang members, and the seizure of drugs and cash shows the impact our Police are having on breaking up organised crime.

“Our $503 million Safer Communities is delivering real results for Wellington, and is exactly the kind of commitment to public services you get from a National Government that has balanced the books, is growing the economy, and now has the ability to invest in the areas that matter to New Zealanders.

“As always though, investing in law and order is only part of the way we’re working to keep Wellingtonians safe.

“The most important thing we can do is stop crime before it happens, by continuing to create more local jobs, improve educational outcomes, and support families pressured by change.

“I’m proud to be campaigning for a National Government that will deliver a safe future for Wellington.

ends

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