25 March 2002

An extra 105 police officers will be required for the next America's Cup defence in Auckland and this will add to the staffing pressures on Auckland police, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall.

"On the very day when Auckland's relentless crime rate hit a second consecutive all-time high, the Police Commissioner finally admitted he was 100 officers short on the Auckland frontline.

"Police recruitment is proving difficult in Auckland. Resources are stretched to breaking point and the shortage is getting worse because so many existing staff are being diverted into Highway Patrol.

"National wants to see Auckland-based police training provided for Auckland-bound recruits," says Mr Ryall.

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