Palmerston North shooting a wake-up call

The events in Palmerston North last night should serve as a warning to police and all other frontline agencies, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor was commenting after a man walked into the Palmerston North Police Station and fired a shot in the reception area.

“All frontline agencies are trying to get the balance right, of providing the public access while at the same time ensuring staff safety.

“The Association has expressed its concern to police in the past that the balance in modern police stations has tipped in favour of access at the expense of security.

“Incidents such as this show just how vulnerable anyone in a reception area is when confronted by a motivated person.”

Mr O’Connor has been in Palmerston North today speaking with police officers and staff and is working with police on welfare issues arising from the incident.

“The Association will be working alongside police to ensure sufficient security is provided for all staff working in these often volatile areas.”

ENDS

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