We'll boost police by 1000 says National

Tony Ryall

National wants to add 1000 extra officers to the police force.

The revelation came from its finance spokesman, John Key, during last night's TVNZ political debate among finance spokespeople.

Challenged by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters to put a number on how many police National would add and how much it would cost, Mr Key replied: "We will probably add around 1000 police going forward".

This followed an attack by Mr Peters on the National Party for making "all sorts of promises" on health, roading and police without giving figures.

National's police spokesman, Tony Ryall, told the Herald this week National would work with the Police Commissioner to determine extra numbers.

Mr Key said after the debate that adding the extra officers would probably cost about $100 million a year.

In its recent alternative budget, National budgeted $100 million extra a year for law and order, building to $300 million in 2008-09.

Some of that is already committed for National's plan to abolish parole for serious offenders.

NZ First has pledged to double frontline police numbers in five years, which could cost $600 million.