Headline: Ask The Cops – The Problem Is Budget Cuts
It is a damning indictment of Anne Tolley that only six per cent of Police believe National’s front line cuts and restructuring have resulted in improved service or efficiency, says Labour’s Police spokesperson Kris Faafoi.
A survey of nearly 4000 police staff reveals a huge divide between the Minister’s perception of police resourcing and the grassroots accounts of the impacts of her policies.
“Sixty one per cent of Police Association members surveyed put staff shortages as one of the top three issues facing police while the Minister continues to deny her policies are hurting the front line.
“Forty five per cent said resource shortages were a critical issue with attrition among sworn staff said to be creating huge gaps on the frontline.
“This survey cannot be ignored. It shows our front line cops are struggling to effectively do their job of keeping our communities safe in the face of Ms Tolley’s relentless belt-tightening.
“Budget cuts are real; police stations are closing, experienced officers are leaving and there are 110 fewer cops on the beat than this time last year.
“Kiwis want to know that when they call 111, they will get the response they expect. It’s clear from this survey that even police themselves are questioning that.
“Ms Tolley can’t brush this one off. The respondents couldn’t be clearer, she is a threat to law and order,” Kris Faafoi said.
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