6. SANDRA GOUDIE (National—Coromandel) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What reports has she received about serious attacks on New Zealand Police officers over the last few days?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
It is very distressing that three of our police officers have been subjected to serious attacks while doing their job to protect the public. I have personally visited two of the officers to offer my support, and shortly will be visiting the third officer. Two of the officers are now recovering from their injuries at home, while Constable John Connelly of Tuakau has been undergoing surgery to insert a metal plate in his head and to wire up his jaw. These officers have shown extraordinary bravery in the face of brutal attacks.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Sadly, over the past decade there has been a growing culture of disrespect towards the police, which is shown by the rise in serious assaults on them from 216 in the year 1999, to 412 last year. Last year there also was a total of 2,481 assaults generally on police. It is appalling that officers are being viciously attacked while they are protecting the public.
Jonathan YoungHon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Back at Christmas I asked the police to provide their advice on any action that can be taken to reduce serious assaults on our officers. One option may be to increase the deterrent effect and demonstrate society’s disgust at these crimes by putting serious assaults on police on the list of “three strike” offences. However, it is important to point out that offending against law enforcement officers has long been taken into account as an aggravating factor in sentencing under the law. This Government would prefer that our officers do not face any sort of attack. They have our full support to rebuild respect for the law. We will also consider any other suggestions they may have to improve their safety on the front line.
Hon Annette KingWill any legislative or policy changes in relation to attacks on police officers also be extended to other front-line service workers, such as prison guards, ambulance officers, Fire Service staff, doctors, nurses, and teachers, who also face violence in the course of their duties?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
That would certainly be something we could consider, but I think it is important to note that the police and corrections officers already have a special situation in relation to the law and assaults on them, and that is because they are our front-line law enforcement officers.