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Extra funding to beat crime FUNDING for new police is provided for in the Budget. The Government has committed NZ$164.3 million in operating costs and NZ$52.3 million in capital costs over the next four years for the first tranche of the 1,000 frontline sworn police and 250 non-sworn police promised under its agreement with New Zealand First.The funding will help police target crimes such as burglary and car offences, make in-roads into organised crime, be a far more visible deterrent, and also help them respond more quickly to emergencies. Of the new funding, NZ$33.9 million is being funded from the National Land Transport Fund, and is specifically dedicated to road policing. Police Minister Annette King said the extra police would be recruited over three years, with funding for the second tranche rolled out in Budget 2007 and the third tranche in Budget 2008. The first tranche includes 406 extra police, 50 of whom will be working in road policing. Indicative operating costs for the other two tranches amount to NZ$223 million over the next four years, starting with next year's Budget, plus NZ$62 million in capital spending. Ms King said the initiative was expected to cost NZ$387 million altogether in operating costs over the next four years and NZ$114 million in capital spending. "Such a considerable investment illustrates our commitment to safe communities. We don't just want a greater police presence in our communities, though that is clearly really important to make our families feel secure. We also have to make sure that we use the extra police as effectively as possible. "That means a greater emphasis on evidence-based crime and crash policing so that we can reduce the number of victims," she said. Although it was a "great career", Ms King did not underestimate the difficulties involved in recruiting so many extra police, which would boost police numbers by some 12.5 per cent. The Budget also includes a further NZ$10.8 million over four years for the restructuring of Victim Support. It includes the hiring of more practice specialists and other key staff. - By Lawrence Johnston |
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