Gordon Copeland
Press Release For Immediate Release

Thursday, 18th October 2007

Are we Police bashing?

Independent MP Gordon Copeland is concerned that the recent so called terrorism operation has taken police bashing to a new level. While he says there are obviously times when police, like any organisation, attract criticism and are not immune from scrutiny, this week's nation-wide operation has seen matters become ridiculous.

He sited a NZ Herald website online question asking readers if the police should have done the operation, and referring to various sensitive issues around the operation.

"Does this mean the next time police decide to do a traffic alcohol blitz in say Pïpïwai, we're going to be asking them to be more sensitive to the communities there? Or the next time they mount a nation wide drug bust involving possible armed offenders, are we all going to be bleating again?" says Mr Copeland.

The Future NZ party leader believes there are people with political interests trying to make mileage out of the recent police operation.

"Some of these people would be the first on the phone for police help if they were under threat but when they or their friends are being investigated, it's another story," he says.

"We have seen lawyers, politically interested individuals and activists getting unprecedented prime media time, all because the police, at the end of a long careful investigation, decided to do their job."

"Police are becoming an easy and popular target for sensationalism."

He is concerned that the constant bashing must eventually affect moral of police front line staff, and a lack of leadership at government level is failing to calm the situation.

ENDS

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