16 May 2006

NZ First Welcomes $500 Million For Police

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has welcomed the Government's announcement that police will receive a $500 million funding boost over the next four years for the recruitment of an extra 1,000 frontline staff and 250 non-sworn staff, as promised under its confidence and supply agreement with New Zealand First.

"This is a huge commitment. Not only will frontline police have 1000 extra frontline officers joining them over the next three years, but the funding will also secure additional non-sworn staff and extra equipment to support the front line staff increase.

"The money will be used on a recruitment and retention programme as well as on the equipment and infrastructure needed to support the extra police. This is something we have worked very hard for, and it is essential that this substantial funding is used to provide the most effective support possible to police, so that they in turn can serve and protect their communities in the best possible way," Mr Mark said.

ENDS

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