Police get 50 new officers, DNA squad and two 'clean-up' teams

The Government will spend $6.6 million over four years on two police teams trained to clean methamphetamine laboratories, Police Minister George Hawkins announced today as part of the release of the 2003-2004 Budget.

The teams -- each comprising five officers and two civilian staff -- would be based in Auckland and Wellington, with the latter also covering the South Island. They will start work on January 1.

The teams will literally clean up after methamphetamine operations as premises can become contaminated by chemicals, as can surrounding areas.

"This exposes anyone subsequently using the buildings to serious health risks if the premises are not thoroughly cleaned," Mr Hawkins said in a statement.

The Budget also provided for 50 extra police and a specialist mobile DNA squad for Auckland.

The area has struggled with police shortages for several years and initiatives to overcome the problem have included recruiting officers from Britain.

Half the new staff will come on stream in the 2004 financial year and the rest in the 2005 financial year, Mr Hawkins said.

The DNA squad would comprise three teams, each with two sworn and one non-sworn staff, and they would generate a further 3500 DNA samples and 500 "hits" a year.

"It is estimated each 'hit' could see between five and 10 offences resolved annually, particularly in property offences," Mr Hawkins said.

Overall, police received $985.4 million in the budget, up from $967.9m last year.