Police welcome Budget moves

5.35 pm

Police acknowledge that the additional $165.5 million over the next four years announced in the Budget will ensure the maintenance of service levels, the Commissioner of Police, Rob Robinson said today.

"We're grateful for the further injection into our baseline that will give police the stability to maintain existing services and continue to improve our performance."

The funding increase will take Vote Police from $891 million this year to $929.8 million next year.

The operational funding will meet the full year costs of last year's wage round, performance pay and the increased costs of ESR's DNA services. The capital funding will be further invested in upgrading properties and equipment, Mr Robinson said.

"Today's budget is good news for police."

The Police Association has also welcomed today's developments.

"Frontline police who have borne the brunt of resource shortages will benefit from the increase", Police Association President Greg O'Connor said.

Mr O'Connor was referring to the four year $165.5 million increase in police baseline funding announced in the Budget.

"For years, all Budget increases have been tied to specific projects and day to day policing has missed out."

"This Budget is an acknowledgement that the success of other initiatives is dependent on maintaining a strong response and investigative capability," he said.

- NZPA

www.nzherald.co.nz/budget

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