The frustration of Mayors from major metropolitan areas at the Government's failure to control crime is understandable,
Labour police spokesperson George Hawkins said.
"It is not a new concern but has been building over the last nine years. Local bodies are frustrated over crime levels
and say policing has gone off the boil. They see the loss of experienced police officers, remaining staff weighed down
with paperwork and unable to respond to crimes like burglary and car conversion, and community policing under threat
from the Police Review.
"It is not surprising that the Mayors want a greater say in policing. The New Zealand police force is an invaluable
asset to every community, if effectively utilised.
"That is why Labour's Plan to Cut Crime, released in March this year, focuses on allowing the police force to use its
resources to best effect, with increasing community involvement.
"The next Labour Government will deliver a performance-focused police force, with a new system of crime reduction
targets. These targets will be specifically concerned with catching criminals and solving crimes, with the community
involved at a local level to prioritise areas of particular concern. Local police commanders will be authorised to
deploy police accordingly.
"Labour will establish a Community Safety Office (CSO), an independent review unit which, in consultation with
communities, will allow community feedback and input regarding the strategic direction of policing. This will ensure
that local priorities are set locally, with community involvement, and that communities will see their concerns targeted
in their neighbourhoods.
"The Mayors have identified a major flaw in the National Government's approach to policing - a requirement to cater to
the particular needs of particular regions, cities, towns or suburbs.
"Labour will provide new means to ensure that the police service matches the needs and priorities of individual
communities," George Hawkins said.