Police on track to implement strategic changes

The country’s police service received a positive report in the latest government review of how the agency is performing.

The Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) follow-up review, completed in November 2013, gauged progress made since Police’s last full PIF in 2012.

The PIF is a joint initiative by the State Services Commission, the Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, aimed at helping public sector leaders improve the performance of their agencies.

The follow-up review found that few government agencies of Police’s size and complexity have been able to lead and sustain comprehensive changes to their strategy and operating model, without major disruption to services to the public.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said it is gratifying that the report endorses the direction New Zealand Police are heading.

“It is great to see an independent review, which interviewed stakeholders and staff across the country, endorsing the direction in which Police are heading”
Commissioner Marshall said.

“Of course challenges remain so there is no room for complacency.”

The PIF review highlights the challenges involved in the implementation of the Policing Excellence and the Prevention First strategies.

The follow-up review notes that, given the scale and scope of the changes, significant progress has been made. However it found a number of areas needed more work including the emphasis on victims, the functionality of mobility, the quality of road policing data and the use of alternative resolutions.

Commissioner Marshall welcomed the constructive feedback and said the PIF had given both projects new impetus.

“Within Policing Excellence, Police is currently focusing a great deal of energy on improving the service provided to victims,” Commissioner Marshall said.

“We are also enhancing the functionality of mobility devices and increasing the use of alternative resolutions.”

“I’m particularly indebted to the author of this report Paula Rebstock, and Expert Advisor Simon Murdoch, for their insight, their energy and the comprehensiveness with which they approached this assignment.”

ENDS

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