Media Release
21 April 2005

Govt To Blame For Erosion Of Faith In Police

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says the Government must commit to providing a substantial increase in police resources in this year’s Budget to prevent an ever-increasing downward spiral of confidence in police.

Results from the National Business Review’s annual survey shows a marked drop in the level of confidence the public has in Police over the last 3 years, and Mr Mark has said the blame for the drop lies directly with the Government.

“We are faced with an incompetent Minister and a Government whose failure to provide adequate resources for the Police lies at the very heart of this problem,” said Mr Mark.

“There is a clear and immediate need for a substantial increase in resources to front line units. The public need to know that when they call 111 the call will be answered and assistance will be provided without unreasonable delay.

“Anything less will drive down public confidence further.

“There are also a number of disillusioned police staff who have no support to carry out their duties fighting crime at the frontline. If this is allowed to continue, we run the risk of losing valuable experienced officers.”

In addition to an increase in funding, Mr Mark said there is a need for a change in focus away from the myopic quota ticketing and towards the investigation of serious and violent crime, burglary and the burgeoning methamphetamine industry.

ENDS

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