This week’s announcement that the Counties Manukau Police District will be receiving 91 new police officers is welcome news, says Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross.
The comment comes after Police Commissioner Mike Bush announced on Wednesday police number allocations for districts as part of the Government’s half billion dollar police staffing investment.
“I thank the commissioner for recognising the needs of Counties Manukau in allocating new police resources.
“Counties Manukau is one of the most challenging police districts in the country and is one of the most diverse. It ranges from areas like Botany and Howick, through to Pukekohe, Papakura and Manurewa.
“Our local cops are dedicated to the job. Great strides in efficiency and innovation have been made under Superintendent John Tims. But Counties Manukau Police have understandably been keen to see more support.”
The government announced an investment of $503 million into more police resourcing earlier this year to boost the number of front line officers. It will see 880 new sworn officers being recruited, as part of the overall staff increase of 1125.
“It has been several years since an injection like this has been made. The last time we did so, we boosted police numbers by 600 new officers.
“The public have been calling for more emphasis on law and order and we are delivering, again.
“I support the work East Area Commander Inspector Wendy Spiller and her team of local police have been doing in our patch. I’m pleased their efforts in supporting our community will be assisted with more frontline staff. “
