3. RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Does she share the concern expressed by Commissioner of Police, Howard Broad, regarding the increase in attacks of a serious nature on police, and what does she consider to be the reason for the increase in attacks on police?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Acting Minister of Police) Link to this
Yes, I am concerned by any assaults on police, but I am particularly concerned about the serious assaults. No one can say definitely why there should be an increase in any particular year, but I know that the police themselves are concerned about alcohol and drug use and abuse in society. It is difficult to quantify such factors, though it is well known that alcohol features in around 70 percent of incidents requiring police attention.
Does the Minister of Police agree with the President of the Police Association, Greg O’Connor, when he states that focusing the deployment to the front line of the 1,000 extra police recruited over the next 3 years will help cut assaults on police, and has the Government considered the possibility of increasing the penalties for assaults on police officers, as suggested by New Zealand First as another means of deterrent?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I know the Government has considered the proposal put forward by New Zealand First regarding penalties. We are very happy to work with New Zealand First to ensure that the 1,000 new police are, indeed, on the front line doing a very good job in trying to reduce violence in this country.
Ann HartleyHon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
No Government can make the job of police safe. There will always be risks associated with policing. But a number of initiatives are being taken that aim to mitigate these risks. These include the roll-out of the stab-resistant body armour scheduled for implementation later this year, the current police Taser trial, and the recruitment of the extra 1,000 front-line sworn police.
Simon PowerDoes the Minister of Police concede that there is a connection between the 53 percent increase in serious assaults on police since 1999 and the 26 percent increase in total violent crime under her watch, in light of the statement by Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford of Counties-Manukau that “The reality is that violence has escalated.”, and the fact that police officers are the ones who deal with these incidents face to face; if not, why not?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
The facts are that recorded crime per 10,000 population is nearly 20 percent down on that which it was 10 years ago. We acknowledge that we have been particularly focusing on the area of domestic violence. We have been catching and convicting more people for violent offences, and we will continue to do that. The sad reality is that drugs and alcohol play an increasingly harmful part in this process, and we hope to do everything we can to reduce that.
Keith LockeWill the Minister give an absolute assurance that there will be no general arming of the police with guns, and that she will not leave this issue of whether we end up with Tasers to internal struggles within the police force?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
There is no enthusiasm and no intent to arm our police force. We are, however, going through a trial with Taser equipment to try to offer better protection to police in difficult situations. That will be an objective assessment and we await the outcome of that trial.
Does the Minister accept that the high number of reported serious assaults on police is not a true reflection of how many officers are injured on the job, as many officers who are assaulted do not report their injuries, and if the Minister is not aware of that, why not?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I am not aware of any officers not reporting incidents. If the member has any information I am sure that the Minister of Police would be happy to accept that and to follow up on it.
Is the Minister aware of what Mr Broad was referring to when he stated that strong forces wanted police to carry guns if the Taser trial proves unsuccessful, and if the Taser does prove to be an effective countermeasure, will she be recommending that Tasers be deployed in every police car?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I spoke directly with Howard Broad, the Commissioner of Police, over those words. He regrets using the words “strong force”. However, he does acknowledge that the police are hoping the Taser trial is successful. If it is, I am sure the Minister or the commissioner will look at deployment of that useful tool across the country.