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

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