A cell for one? Certainly, sir

Police officers are being sent on customer service courses better suited to bed-and-breakfast operators, says the National Party's law and order spokesman, Simon Power.

Mr Power yesterday released an email sent to Auckland police staff chosen to attend three KiwiHost courses which aim to improve customer service and focus.

The courses include KiwiHost First Impressions for "anyone working in a frontline face-to-face customer service position, retail shops, restaurants, coffee bars and cafes".

The two other courses focus on professional telephone skills and advanced customer service skills. The total class time for the three courses is about 18 hours or two-and-a-half days.

Mr Power said it was "nuts" that police were going on $900 courses he believed were designed for people in the hospitality industry.

"All I'm saying is that police should be concentrating their numbers and resources on fighting and preventing crime."

Mr Power said the key issue was if police were being pulled from the front line to attend the courses. "If they have then the commissioner's office has a lot of explaining to do," he said.

The Police Commissioner's office and Auckland police could not be contacted for comment.