23 May 2002

As violent crime goes through the roof, the Government has reneged on its promises to police and the community, says National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall.

"There's $20 million less for police over the next three years than promised in last year's Budget.

Tony Ryall points to George Hawkins' press release from the last Budget which said "Police baselines will be boosted by $42.4 million in the 2001-02 financial year with an extra $40.8 million in 2002-03, $41 million in 2003-04 and $41.3 million in 2004-05."

"This year the Minister says, "Police will receive an extra $34 million funding in 2002-03 and $34.5 million in each of the next two years," says Mr Ryall.

"So where's the difference? A $7 million cut in police on the beat preventing crime, that's where.

"It's little wonder that bashings and thuggery are rocketing, when the police are actually cutting back their presence on the streets.

"National says that to crack down on violent crime, we need more cops on the streets. This Budget has no new cops.

"The police deserve better from their Minister than being shortchanged $20 million over the next three years," concluded Mr Ryall.

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