28th May 2007

www.republicans.org.nz

Political Parrot or Police Association.

Republicans Law and Order spokesman Bevan Berg has a strong message for the current President of the NZ Police Association Mr Greg O'Connor.

"If the Association continues its persistent meddling in politics it risks becoming another parrot organisation for Government, rather than an advocate for members of the New Zealand Police", says Mr Berg

O'Connor is a Senior Sergeant of Police seconded full time to the Association National Office, and that function is to support serving officers and civilian staff.

Not says Mr Berg,

"To play Government spokesman by Police Salary".

I understand Mr O'Connor has held this position since 1995. If his interests in politics are so great I suggest he step into that arena and hand the reigns of the Association to someone with a greater interest in the welfare of our Police Staff.

One of the most important functions of the association is to provide an independent ear to officers who find themselves in uncertain circumstances, and it cannot properly do that while the Association is continually seen to have an overt political position.

Policing has never been more difficult, says Mr Berg,

"Police Staff need to know that their Association is there for them, and that it has not become another political puppet."

Too many organisations are being encouraged to say what Government wants to hear rather than provide quality advice, or perform their function, and the Police Association is not alone in indulging this political aberration, noted Mr Berg.

ENDS

© Scoop Media