$200,000 spent on recruiting top cops

The National Party has criticised the spending of more than $200,000 to find two top cops.

Figures released to the Dominion Post under the Official Information Act show the appointments of commissioner Howard Broad and deputy commissioner (operations) Rob Pope cost taxpayers $217,211.

The pair were appointed in April after a six-month search.

National law and order spokesman Simon Power questioned the high cost of the process and said it was bizarre that the selection panel appeared to have no expertise in policing.

A large portion of the cost -- $86,138 -- went to a recruitment consultant.

- NZPA