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.
Ends