Media Release

16 May 2003

Thin Blue Line Getting Thinner

New Zealand First says Police have been overlooked in the Budget yet again.

Law and order spokesperson Ron Mark said today that in the face of rising serious crime the Government had ignored the call for more officers nationwide and had done little to help ease frontline officers workload.

“In real terms, Police funding has decreased from last year. When will George Hawkins understand that if he is to mount a serious challenge to New Zealand’s fastest growing industry – crime – then police must be properly equipped.

“The only way this can be achieved is to increase Police funding so more officers can be recruited. Fifty new officers in Auckland will barely be noticed.

“It is merely a token gesture by the Government so it can say it is doing something. Auckland needed more than 100 officers before the Budget.

“All the Government has proved in this budget is that it is quite happy with the current level of crime and unlike most New Zealanders, does not see it as a problem.

“With per-capita police numbers being one of the lowest in the OECD, the Government must take responsibility for increased crime and a police force without the resources to fight it,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

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