11 August 2005
Labour's Acknowledgement Of Frontline Shortages Apparent
"The Police Association sees Labour's promise to provide 250 Community Police as a welcome acknowledgement that New
Zealand is currently under policed," NZ Police Association President, Mr O'Connor said today.
"While the role of Community Police will need to be better defined, current Community Constables are required to spend
considerable time relieving the emergency response area, to fill chronic shortages there," said Mr O'Connor. "This will
continue to occur with the new positions unless the emergency response area is also boosted. The extra 5 frontline
response cars in the recent budget, for the whole country, are simply not enough."
"The Police Association believes this is a time when New Zealand must invest in its safety and become the safest western
country to live, visit and do business in," said Mr O'Connor.
"We look to all political parties to adopt a strategy which invests in the future safety and security of New Zealand and
its people."
Mr O'Connor was commenting on Labour's 5th pledge to provide 250 community police made today.
ENDS