"All of our staff have families who they won't see today. They're going out in the community and keeping it safe."
Mr Bush also visited police stations in Waitakere and the North Shore and spent time at the Northern Communications Centre, where 111 calls are received and responded to 24 hours a day.
While staff work a shorter shift today, it's business as usual for police.
"It's important to acknowledge their work," said Mr Bush, who left his own wife and children for the day to go to work.
"A lot happens around the Christmas period. There is an increase in family violence and other alcohol-related crime. That puts a lot of pressure on our people. But it is really important that we're here."
Mr Bush spent the morning with his family before heading to work, and will spend the evening with them after he knocks off at about 5pm.
His message to New Zealand was simple.
"Look after each other," he said.
"The reason police work today is because we care about people. My message to everyone is take care of your family, look after each other whether you're on the road or at home and take care of yourselves."
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COPS TODAY, THE NUMBERS:
While at Auckland Central Mr Bush spent time talking to Constable Jackson Hood and Constable Trish Fatu who were about to head out into the community in their patrol car.
The pair said they didn't mind working Christmas Day, and appeared to enjoy having their big boss on board.
They are among about 2100 police working today across the country. That figure includes frontline staff, criminal investigations branch, custody unit, file management, intelligence officers and public counter staff.