9. CHRIS TREMAIN (National—Napier) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What is the Government doing to ensure police have the facilities they need to effectively serve New Zealand communities?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
I am pleased to report that tomorrow I am opening the 10th new police facility since becoming the Minister of Police. The new station in the Hawke’s Bay community of Tamatea will provide a base for the Napier tactical response team and the community constable. This Government is keen to ensure that all communities, large and small, have the police they need to make them feel safer in their homes and on the streets. Single-officer stations will also be opened over the next 6 months or so in Russell, Karamea, Granity, and Nuhaka.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am advised that this station has been a classic example of community policing in action. The community and police jointly recognised a problem, then worked together to find a solution. It has involved local residents, the three schools in the area, local businesses, and the council. I am told that the residents are now feeling much more reassured, and that they are keen to work with the new constable at the grassroots level to take ownership of crime problems in their area, which is something Labour could never bring itself to do.
David GarrettHas she investigated what resources and facilities would be required to implement a zero-tolerance policing policy in even one major police district?
Is she aware that zero-tolerance policing is widely accepted as the reason for dramatically reducing crime rates in New York State, and would she consider trialling such a policy here?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
No. I think we need New Zealand solutions. Last time I checked, New York City had 37,000 police officers for a population of 8 million. I am not sure we want to have an equivalent number here.