Association welcomes survey result on 'terror' arrests

The Police Association has welcomed publication of a UMR Research survey which shows just 13% of New Zealanders think police over-reacted and acted inappropriately in making arrests on alleged firearms and related offences, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.

“The survey confirms that average New Zealanders have seen the one-sided, inflammatory commentary run in the media over the last three weeks for what it is: the same old activists, beating the same tired old anti-police drum, with no regard whatsoever for the facts or evidence,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Amongst Maori, a higher proportion thinks Police have over-reacted. Given the relentless efforts of some irresponsible commentators to falsely portray this as a Police vs. Maori operation, that, regrettably, is hardly surprising.”

“But overall, there is a strong thread in the survey results of a ‘let’s wait and see’ attitude. That’s the fairest response anyone can make. As in any criminal matter, court cases will have to be made out, the evidence will be presented at the appropriate time, and judgments will be made on it.”

“Until that process is allowed to run its course, those whipping up controversy and division through ignorant and plain wrong comments would do well to take a lead from the common sense being shown by their average fellow citizen,” Mr O’Connor said. 

For more see:

Police 'buoyed' by survey on anti-terror raids - NZPA

Research Confirms Strength of Maori Concern about Police actions - Maori Party