Media Release

24 April 2006

Mark Supports Fitness Test Review

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark revealed today that discussions had taken place with Police Minister Annette King in December to review aspects of entry requirements for police recruits.

“New Zealand First drew the Minister’s attention to the potential loss of good police recruits as a result of the standard physical ability test being applied across all ages regardless,” said Mr Mark.

Mr Mark was concerned that the recruitment of 1000 additional frontline police could be hindered by the rigidity of the pre-entry physical test, revealing that some older would-be applicants were missing out by a small margin in some tests and that some criteria are not being applied equitably.

“Although the standards allow for a small differentiation for gender, there is none for age or body type,’ said Mr Mark.

“While New Zealand Police’s pre-recruitment test is more taxing than that of many other police and even military forces, it is accepted that a high standard is necessary.

“However, there are occasions when a potential recruit’s all-round ability and attributes may call for an alternative approach to the rigid requirements of the one-off physical test currently taken,” explained Mr Mark.

The planned review of fitness requirements should ensure that recruits are treated equitably without compromising standards.

“With the additional 1000 sworn police to be recruited as a result of the New Zealand First confidence and supply agreement with Labour, it is essential to recruit only the best,’ concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media