Association welcomes new Police Minister

The Police Association today congratulated Judith Collins on her appointment as Minister of Police in the new Government.

“The Police Association has enjoyed positive, constructive relationships with past Police Ministers, and also with the National Party’s spokespeople on law and order and police, Simon Power and Chester Borrows. We look forward to building a similarly constructive relationship with Ms Collins in her new role,” said Police Association Vice-President Chris Cahill.

“The practical policing experience and expertise the Police Association can access can be extremely valuable to a Police Minister who is willing to listen. In considering any new idea, the first question should always be ‘will this actually work’? Frontline police officers are best placed to answer that question.”

Mr Cahill noted Ms Collins’ senior Cabinet ranking, saying it recognises the importance of the role and reflects the seriousness of the challenges facing police.

“High-ranking Cabinet ministers are in a strong position to argue for resources during budget rounds. Tougher economic conditions are likely to increase demands on police at the very time public sector budgets are being squeezed. Police will be counting on Ms Collins to put their case very strongly.

“We congratulate Judith Collins on her appointment, and we look forward to working with her as she leads implementation of National’s police policies, such as the delivery of 300 more frontline police to South Auckland,” Mr Cahill said.