Police Commissioner Mike Bush welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister of Police and says it represents a significant investment in NZ Police that will help make New Zealand the safest country.

“We are now positioned to deliver 1800 new police and 485 support staff," says Commissioner Bush.

"This is an extra 920 officers and 240 support staff in addition to the 880 officers and 245 support staff announced in Budget 2017.

“This means more Police in our communities, with an additional 1100 constabulary officers to be deployed in community policing roles across the country.

These officers will be key to preventing crime, responding to calls for service to help keep our communities safe, and apprehending offenders who commit burglaries, robberies, theft and violence.

“A further 700 additional police will focus on serious and organised crime.

This investment will enable us to more effectively combat unlawful gang activity and other organised criminal networks, and work to reduce harm from methamphetamine and other drugs that destroy lives, wreck families and weaken communities.

“While we’ve always been focussed on organised crime, today’s announcement significantly boosts our capability.

“The additional support staff in this package will be invaluable to the work we do.”

Commissioner Bush says the increased numbers will enable Police to positively support the future criminal justice system reforms, applying the Prevention First operating model.

“There’s never been a better time to fulfil your dream of becoming a cop and serving your community,” Commissioner Bush says.

We want to attract more women, Māori, Pacific Islanders, and people from all other ethnicities and backgrounds to better reflect the communities we serve.

We also need recruits who are happy to be based in the Auckland area.

Police also receives $11.6 million in operating funding to replace radio equipment in 2018/19.

“I am delighted with today’s announcement that the Government is to further invest in Police and in the communities we are here to serve,” says Commissioner Bush.

Interested in joining in the Police? Go to www.newcops.co.nz and take the first step.

ENDS

© Scoop Media