New Security Measures for Work and Income Facilities

New Security Measures for Work and Income Facilities

In a press conference today in Wellington, Deputy Police Commissioner Viv Rickard and Ministry of Social Development’s CO Brandon Boyle expressed their concern about the number of threats received by Work and Income New Zealand following Monday’s incident in Ashburton.

According to Mr. Boyle the police have received firearms threats in the last 48 hours in New Plymouth, Hastings, Blenheim, Thames and Christchurch.

The majority of threats have come from people who are known to Work and Income.

Police have arrested people tied to the threats and Deputy Commissioner Rickard says Police will come down hard on anyone who thinks these kinds of threats are acceptable.

The Ministry of Social Development is working closely with police Boyle says, and new security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of Work and Income staff.

These extra security measures include the addition of 100 extra security personnel placed inside Work and Income facilities throughout the country.

Police reinforcements will be on site at Work and Income facilities in the Canterbury region “to deter any potential copycat behavior,” says Rickard.

Mr. Boyle said he would present the MSD’s new security review tomorrow.

ENDS

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