Staffing a major police concern: Survey

Concern over staffing levels, particularly in south Auckland, has been highlighted as one of the main issues facing police, according to a survey.

In the survey of more than 5500 officers, conducted for the Police Association by Nielsen, resource shortages and growing crime were also highlighted as major concerns.

Fifty seven per cent of respondents said concern over staffing levels was in their top three concerns, a figure which leapt to 73 per cent in the Counties-Manukau district.

Concerns about resource shortages and escalating crime were at 32 per cent and 23 per cent respectively, figures in the latest issue of Police News show.

Officers were answering a question about what they thought the three main issues facing New Zealand police over the next five years were.

In a separate question, 92 per cent of respondents said there were not enough staff and resources assigned to frontline general duties.

A lack of resources assigned to organised crime and the CIB were also listed as concerns.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said a 2005 government commitment to add 1000 sworn staff and 250 non-sworn staff to the force was critical.

"However, there is a huge danger that politicians now think the job is done, that police are now well-staffed. We are not.

"There is still huge pressure out there and the investment in rebuilding an effective police must be maintained."

Mr O'Connor said a commitment in the May budget for more police, with numbers to increase another 600 by the end of 2011, was welcome, but would barely keep up with population growth.

More than 30 per cent of survey respondents also cited shortages of items such as computers, cars, radios and uniform items as one of the top three issues facing police.

More than 60 per cent of officers were dissatisfied with the effect a lack of resources was having on their job.

That situation was most keenly felt in Counties-Manukau (74 per cent) and Canterbury (72 per cent).

Mr O'Connor said the situation was a "huge frustration" for many police.

He said National's plans to make up for budget cuts by trimming the national police vehicle fleet would exacerbate the problem.

- NZPA