The intolerable crisis within the Auckland CIB has reached critical proportions with reports of a backlog of almost 400 cases and inexperienced staff being required to work on complex, difficult cases, says Hon Peter Dunne, leader United New Zealand.

"This is an intolerable situation which is not only increasing the threat to public safety, but is also further reducing the ability and morale of detectives.

"It leaves remaining CIB staff, many of them junior, in a situation where their loyalty and commitment are severely tested. A serious situation is worsening by the day as case loads increase, fewer staff are asked to work unreasonable hours and stress levels increase while clearance rates for serious crime decrease," says Mr Dunne.

He says the situation needs to be addressed urgently and Government should take a lead.

"The issue is too important to be blamed on the current or previous government. There is no doubt that the situation is a result of resourcing problems over a long period. However, the present Government has a responsibility to deal with it immediately.

"I intend to lodge questions with the Minister of Police today to ascertain the real situation and force some action to ensure this issue is dealt with and the police and public of Auckland can be confident of effective crime solving in their region," concludes Mr Dunne.

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