KEY POINTS:
National says the Government's attempts to increase the number of sworn police by 1000 appear to be falling short of the target in its first year.
National's police spokesman Chester Borrows said documents revealed that the police estimated they would need 732 recruits to graduate in 2006/2007 to replace attrition and achieve a net increase of 326 for the year.
"These recruits needed to have started training by February 19 to graduate before the end of June, and there are only 684 who have graduated already (480) or are in training (204)," Mr Borrows said.
"That leaves the police at least 48 short of their target."
The briefing reports also show the police hoped to convince 50 former officers to rejoin during 2006/2007 but by March had only recruited 17.
Mr Borrows said National was in favour of more police, but had always questioned whether the "gimmick" of 1000 extra police was sustainable.
"Labour over-reached themselves in their rush to tie in New Zealand First and retain power at any cost, and they are now struggling to deliver on their promises."
As part of its parliamentary support deal with NZ First, Labour agreed to recruit 1000 new police within three years.
- NZPA
