By SCOTT MacLEOD
of New Zealand's top policemen are being sent overseas as part of the campaign against terrorism.
Detective Superintendent Bill Bishop will go to Britain and Detective Superintendent Peter Marshall to the United States, where they will have liaison roles.
The move is aimed at strengthening New Zealand's ability to fight terrorism, but the loss of the highly experienced officers will weaken the police's domestic ranks.
The head of police counter-terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Jon White, said the postings would boost communication between New Zealand and forces based in America and Europe - the "heart of intelligence flows relating to counter-terrorism".
The Police Association, which has been vocal about the loss of top officers in the past, yesterday accepted the appointments.
President Greg O'Connor said it was important to send the best officers to overseas posts.
"It's alway a shame to lose someone like Peter Marshall, who's one of the best-thought-of officers in Auckland," he said.
"But these jobs are necessary."
Mr Marshall is a roving trouble-shooter based in Auckland.
He was made commander of North Shore-Waitakere-Rodney police district in January, but lasted just one weekend. He later said that he had wanted to return to his old job.
Mr Marshall was also in charge of police planning for the Apec summit, the America's Cup and the response to September 11.
Mr Bishop is the national crime manager at the commissioner's office in Wellington, one of the top jobs in the force.
Both have already served in overseas posts. They will start their new jobs in July or August.
Story archives:
Links: War against terrorism
Timeline: Major events since the Sept 11 attacks
Police boost watch on terror overseas
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