THE FAMILY PARTY
www.familyparty.org.nz

PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE

Crime: Where are South Auckland’s MP’s?

9 May 2008. Former Manukau Police Sergeant Richard Lewis says South Auckland’s MP’s are missing in action at a time when the police and community most needs them.

The criticism comes after revelations that police were too busy to complete critical enquiries into the Kahui twins' murder investigation. Yesterday the arresting officer of the accused gave evidence that police were too busy dealing with other crimes to follow through on the enquiry.

“It seems everyone in South Auckland knows there’s a crime problem except the Government and our elected representatives. How long will Labour's South Auckland MP's refuse to stand up for our frontline police and give them the support that’s so desperately needed? I realise it presents a problem for them in an election year to admit they've failed to deliver. But enough is enough – acknowledge the problem and give the police the support they need before other cases are compromised," said Mr Lewis.

Mr Lewis says the police can only go so far based on loyalty and goodwill, but without genuine support it’s going to be harder to maintain experienced officers and attract recruits.

“I really feel for these guys who are busting their guts to stay on top of crime. But what people don’t realise is the massive demand on time, energy and resource that’s required to properly follow an investigation through to a positive end,” he added.

Richard Lewis will stand for Manukau in the coming election and will be outlining Law & Order policies at the Family Party Conference on Saturday 17th May in Mangere: http://www.thefamilyparty.org.nz/conference.php

ENDS

Original story: Police too busy to reinterview twins' mother
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=137056

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