Top cop marks first day with Roast Busters assurance

Police commissioner Mike Bush. Photo / Sarah Ivey

New police commissioner Mike Bush marked his first day in the top job by joining two constables on the beat in central Wellington, and saying the Roast Busters investigation is in its final stages.

The 54-year-old officially took over from former police commissioner Peter Marshall today, and spoke to media on Cuba Mall during his walkabout.

Targeting drug operations and alcohol-related harm would be top priorities during his term, Mr Bush said.

``In the organised crime space, we are going to continue to focus on the high level offenders, the importers, the dealers, the manufacturers, but we also want to work across a number of agencies to reduce the number of people who are going to get involved in this activity.

``We're looking at how we change the culture around alcohol, because about 50 per cent of our work is caused by alcohol abuse,'' he said.

Maintaining and improving the public's trust and confidence in the police force, which was at an all time high, was another priority, Mr Bush said.

"We strive to ensure that we have their full trust and confidence.''

"It's a really important part of our culture that our values are adhered to. So, around professionalism, respect, integrity and commitment to Maori and the treaty - that's at the forefront of all officers' minds.''

Getting to the bottom of the Roast Busters scandal was also important, Mr Bush said.

"That's a really robust and intense investigation. We've put the victims of those incidents at the heart of everything we do. Our absolute intention is to resolve that to the satisfaction of those victims.

"We are very keen to resolve that as soon as possible.''

He elaborated slightly on the timeframe to 3 News: ``It's not quite in its final phase, but there will be a conclusion that we'll be able to communicate in the next month or two.''

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has said its investigation into the police response to the Roast Busters scandal will be ready within two to three months.

The authority was asked by Police Minister Anne Tolley to look into the police's handling of complaints against two Auckland teenagers who boasted on the internet about having sex with drunk and underage girls.