KEY POINTS:
The Government has approved proposed new police regulations and sent them for drafting into legislation, says Police Minister Annette King.
She said it was an important milestone in implementing recommendations from Dame Margaret Bazley's inquiry into police conduct.
The code would be in place by January 1.
The Government ordered the inquiry because of rape allegations against police officers. It carried out a wide-ranging investigation of behaviour and the culture of the force.
Ms King said the new code would ensure police had a more effective approach to performance management, and better ways to deal with disciplinary issues.
The police already had a range of initiatives under way in response to the commission's recommendations.
"In particular, they have changed a number of systems relating to the prevention of police misconduct, and reporting and investigating it when it does occur.
"Any instance of serious misconduct is reported quickly and personally to the Police Commissioner."
Ms King said 13 new positions had been approved in police districts to support the code's implementation.
- NZPA
