Crime, National Security and New Threats

Key Issue - To meet the changing nature of crime and its impact on policing

Crime patterns are changing and police is facing increasing requests for international engagement on issues affecting national security, trans-national crime and regional security. For example, New Zealand is moving towards sustained importations of "ice" methamphetamine driven by organised criminals, dominated by ethnic Chinese. The world's largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory terminated in Fiji in 2004 was established by an ethnic Chinese-based syndicate with links to other syndicate members and criminal groups across South East Asia. NZ Police was central to this successful interdiction.

Whilst our domestic policing focus is paramount, trans-national crime is adversely affecting New Zealand and we must address it. Police need additional capability to work effectively off-shore and be closely connected to international flows of intelligence, especially in regions where we see repeated criminal connections, such as with China. A new post in Beijing is proposed to help reduce the adverse impact of Chinese trans-national organised criminals who have already deeply penetrated our region.

Key Issue - Enhancing national security and meeting regional security needs

The foremost terrorist threat to New Zealand's interests derives from South East Asian-based terrorist groups, but an event occurring within New Zealand or Australia cannot be discounted. We must continue to strengthen our efforts to remain well connected with our regional partners and local communities to mitigate internal security risks and increase resilience to an attack. Recent media reporting of an Al-Qaeda threat to attack in our region underscores this position.

The police overseas liaison officer network has been strengthened in the post 9/11 environment by four posts in Washington, London, Jakarta and Suva. The benefits of these investments have been clearly demonstrated in the enhanced 'NZ Inc' responses to incidents such as recent bombings in Jakarta, London and Bali. More overseas posts are sought, for example a further post located in South East Asia is proposed to bolster police connection and our understanding of terrorism with our closest neighbours.

Key Issue - Improving local police capability to respond and co-ordinate assistance in a mass casualty event

Police is increasing the co-operative effort to build community safety with local government, particularly in the areas of long-term community planning and emergency management. Recent international terrorist events and natural disasters highlight the need for well co-ordinated staff and well practiced plans for mass casualty events at both the local and national levels. New Zealand's recent experience of a threatened foot and mouth release, and current planning for an influenza pandemic are compelling scenarios that highlight the need for preparedness. Police need to continue to develop staff with skills in disaster and emergency response management, particularly in the three largest cities.

Over the next 12 months we will be asking the Minister to support proposals and consider increasing police baseline funding to:

• fund enhancements to the International Services Group capability to target trans-national crime and assist in meeting international obligations to disrupt trans-national crime and counter terrorism; and
• improve police capability to respond to and co-ordinate a mass casualty event, pandemic or bio-security event.