Public must have confidence in Police gadgets

Police Minister Anne Tolley must explain to New Zealanders why she is giving a one-sided story on the roll out of mobile technology, Labour’s Police spokesperson Kris Faafoi said today.

“Originally questioned about the risks involved in rolling out iPads and iPhones to police Ms Tolley’s written response had large sections blacked out.

“Mobile technology can absolutely help police tackle crime, but as with all new systems where privacy of, and access to, information is concerned, the Minister should be transparent about the risks involved.

“Pressed today about the use of mobile devices, especially in situations where networks become overloaded, Ms Tolley brushed off concerns. There was no assurance that a rigorous risk analysis has been undertaken.

“The fact is the devices police are using rely on the mobile networks that every other Kiwi uses. These sometimes drop-off, experience overloading, or in extraordinary events jam up all together.

“Anne Tolley is quite happy to spout off about the benefits of new technology, but the public needs to have confidence that technology will deliver when it matters,” Kris Faafoi said.

ends

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