Fix frontline policing first, Helen Clark told

The Police Association has told Prime Minister Helen Clark her election promise of 250 community constables will be at the expense of frontline staff and the police's emergency response should be improved first.

Association president Greg O'Connor called on the Government yesterday to refocus and invest properly in frontline and investigation staff.

During the election, Labour announced it would fund 250 more community constables, putting the promise on its pledge card.

Speaking at the opening of the Police Association annual conference with Helen Clark in the audience, Mr O'Connor said that in the past police had been afflicted by too many "short-term" strategies.

While well-intentioned, they were funded and directed in a way that did not take account of the need to invest in all areas of policing. He warned against providing 250 "ring-fenced" community constables without enhancing the police's emergency response capability first.

"Those officers, if unavailable to attend emergency calls, will be criticised by fellow officers and the public. If they do end up plugging holes in the frontline, not much community coppery will be done."

Mr O'Connor said nothing would sap public confidence more than not having emergencies given priority.

But he also paid tribute to outgoing police minister, George Hawkins, saying he had been a strong advocate in Cabinet for more resources after inheriting a rundown service in 1999.

Since then extra money had been spent on new police buildings, deferred maintenance, the vehicle fleet, and management.

However, Mr O'Connor said the new minister must refocus on frontline and investigative staff. Under-resourcing and failures in rank and file policing had widespread consequences for public confidence in the force.

Despite increases in sworn staff numbers since 2001, the number of frontline response staff across the country had risen by only nine officers between 2001 and 2005.

Even next year's projections would increase frontline officers by only 60. District investigation teams had fared no better.

Helen Clark had no comment on the criticism when approached by the Herald afterwards. A spokesman for Mr Hawkins said he had no comment.

Speaking after Mr O'Connor to open the conference, Helen Clark paid tribute to the police, noting their difficult job had to be done under public and political scrutiny.

She lauded the fall in unemployment in helping bring the crime rate down.

- additional reporting: Audrey Young