Media Release
16 June 2004

Solo Cops At Risk - Mark

Recent revelations that front-line police men and women are having to patrol alone in many trouble spots throughout New Zealand, because of the shortage of numbers to ensure their safety and well-being at all times, has again angered Ron Mark MP, Law and Order Spokesman for New Zealand First.

“Why is it that in these times of great concentration by our national workforce and more enlightened employers on occupational health and safety, we are continuing to see scant regard being paid to these issues within the New Zealand Police?” asks Mr Mark.

“This issue has been canvassed so many times, right back to the period when traffic cops were ordered not to patrol alone during hours of darkness when they were part of the Land Transport Safety Authority, and why is it that following their integration into the Police we are seeing this foolish practice growing yet again. Is the lack of money preventing the Commissioner of Police from carrying out his duty to ensure the safety of his staff, or is it the ineffectiveness of the present Minister of Police, George Hawkins, to secure the support of his Cabinet colleagues?” muses Mr Mark.

“Whatever the reasons, it is time this practice was brought to an immediate halt before more police are needlessly endangered” concluded Mr Mark.

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