MY OPINION – as a former hard line detective, second in command of the nasty Red Squad, inspector in charge of police spies and Member of Parliament of a committee which reviewed police (and other government departments).
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What a massively different personality this new commissioner presents; to outgoing (gone) Mike Bush.
When CORVID-19 hit and the police emerged as enforcers; I was not impressed and in fact was intimidated, by the stance of Mike Bush.
The impression Mike made with me (and others whom I communicate including two former police inspectors and more significantly; with under 40ies) was sort of, like Clint Eastwood:
“Go to the beach? Make my day.”
But hey! Afterall. Mike and I were of the same genre of cops – he a mere decade behind me and a detective senior sergeant when I was an inspector.
Mike’s approach to CORVID 19 reminded me of my approach to the Springbok Tour – as 2/O/C Red Squad.
“We are here to win. We don’t come second.”
Andrew Coster, on the other hand, presented the face of an intelligent man; a new generation. The first impression he made with me on the CORVID 19 affair was:
“We are not here to arrest people for breaches. Most need help, not punitive measures.”
(Note: Above quotes attributed to each man, are not exactly what they may have said but is the impressions left with me and others with whom I have discussed this New Broom.)
I have been a regular critic of police: from the persistent prevarication to put two police officers identified by a Royal Commission of Enquiry, before a court of law for fabricating evidence in a double homicide; To police avoiding determination of culpability for killings.
Rule of Police superseding Rule of Law.
I don’t know Andrew Coster. He joined the police 10 years after I had resigned to enter parliament as MP for National in the electorate of Hobson.
But I am greatly encouraged by the impression he has made on others with whom I associate – let alone the good impression he has made on me.
In my opinion; the police are in a safe pair of hands.
Well done Jacinda and police Minister Stuart Nash.
Ross Meurant; a former high-ranking police officer, former Member of Parliament, formerly with commercial interests in Syria and Iran and currently Honorary Consul for an African state.
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