Budget 2005: Boost for law and order

Police are to get $172.9 million over four years for new staff and other areas.

Police Minister George Hawkins said the police budget was increasing $73.6m to $1.03 billion over the coming year.

"Increased resources have given police the tools to deliver the lowest crime rates and road tolls in decades," he said.

Key features of the 2005-06 funding were:

* funding to provide 245 addition positions taking police numbers over 10,000 for the first time;

* Police Commissioner Rob Robinson to get funding to deploy as many new front-line staff as he can -- it should enable up to 100 additional sworn officers and 20 non-sworn staff;

* $45.5 million for calls centres over four-years;

* a boost to police youth services -- more youth aid staff and six youth development projects;

* more resources to fight organised crime including additional staff;

* capital funding for improved fingerprinting through digital technology, and operational rifle replacement and stab proof vests for front-line offices.

"Police had identified a number of areas for priority spending as a result of the independent review into the operation of communications centres," Mr Hawkins said.

New Zealand police have been criticised in recent months over bungled 111 calls, starting with the disappearance of Auckland woman Iraena Asher after a taxi was sent to respond to her 111 call last year.

A subsequent review of the 111 system found it put the public and police at risk.

"I am confident the amount of extra funding being channelled into communications centre staffing will satisfy those requirements and restore public confidence in the 111 system."

Mr Hawkins praised police efforts, including their efforts in reducing the crime rate by 8.2 per cent.

"The addition of around 120 staff for front-line duties will serve to strengthen police capability in the community," he said.

"With the further significant increase to police numbers and resources New Zealanders can be reassure that our homes and roads will be even safer."

- NZPA