1 October 2012

Crime drop shows investment in Police works

The fall in the crime rate to record lows shows what can be achieved through investment in Police, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.

“This year’s 5.2% drop in crime follows continues a trend of falling crime in the past few years. It is no coincidence that this trend follows successive governments showing their commitment to public safety by boosting police numbers and resources to record levels,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Police have been able to innovate, to engage, and to act proactively in targeting both volume crime and serious crime, instead of being constantly short-staffed and able to do little more than rush from one emergency call to the next.

“These crime statistics are proof that investment in Police is making New Zealand a safer place to live. The result is a huge credit to all Police officers and staff,” Mr O’Connor said.

However, Mr O’Connor warned that the gains of recent years could very quickly come under pressure from the budget cuts that are now having to be implemented in Police.

“Public safety gains like these are fragile. Districts are now having to make a second year of cuts to budgets and non-sworn support staff. These cuts will inevitably place pressure on the frontline. The very real risk is that pressure eventually shows in falling service, increased stress, and rising crime,” Mr O’Connor said.

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