New Government aims to add 1800 new police officers over three years

Police Minister Stuart Nash says the police force has been "underfunded now for nine years". Photo / File

Sixty per cent of cops think they are not doing a good job and the government says they need more resouces to help them.

As part of the Labour-New Zealand First agreement, the new Government is aiming to "strive towards" adding 1800 new police officers over three years, as well as look into a volunteer rural constabulary programme and targeting organised crime.

"We've got a police force which has been underfunded now for nine years, and it's showing," Police Minister Stuart Nash said.

"In the latest web-based survey by police, you've got a highly committed group who do a fantastic job of keeping communities safe, and yet 60 per cent of them say they're are not delivering on the promises they make to the community.

"That's what we need to sort, and that's what where going to sort."

He would not say how much money the extra cops would cost.

"Let's wait and see, but the money is there. It's part of the [Labour-NZF] coalition agreement.

"National's plan was for 880 [extra] police over four years. What we've said is 1800 police over three years. They had a moderate plan. We've got a really ambitious plan."

He said he and Police Commissioner Mike Bush have been working on a plan and would release further details by the start of next year.

This would include funding levels for the regions, for tackling cyber crime, organised crime, and for boosting the front lines.

"It's an exciting time for policing. I'm confident we're going to meet our coalition agreement.

"One thing we're adamant we're not going to do is drop standards."