Comments

358. The Review Panel identifies throughout this report that there are issues with the CCSC that need to be addressed and makes recommendations to deal with them. The recommendations made are not exhaustive and deliberately not overly prescriptive but offer guidance for the future direction of New Zealand Police communications.

359. The deficiencies displayed by the CCSC, both real and perceived, should not overshadow the excellent work and commitment demonstrated by staff. However, neither should the criticality of the successful operation of communications be understated in the ability of thousands of police staff to operate every day and who strive to provide services the public both demand and deserve.

360. The importance of public consultation on this issue cannot be stressed enough and will be vital in maintaining public confidence and determining the direction of Police communications in the future.

361. Prior to and throughout the duration of the review, a broad range of commentators have repeatedly stated a belief that more staff will alleviate the problems demonstrated. This report evidences that an increase in staff is only one of a whole range of measures needed to address the matters at hand and that a broad range of strategic and tactical options must be implemented at the same time in order to fully realise any benefit additional staff may bring.?

362. Any wholesale change to the way police and public interact is likely to incur significant cost in other areas. The challenge for New Zealand Police will be to examine all the available options and balance its duty of care and the needs and expectations of the public with the cost the public is willing to bear.

363. Police relies heavily on public support and the principle of policing by consent. Police must continue to fully engage communities and its other stakeholders to manage their needs and expectations and provide a quality service for the whole of New Zealand. Being a victim of crime does not bestow expertise of how to respond to or deal with crime[15] and public opinion and expectations are initially likely to vary greatly from the Police perspective. It is not suggested that Police should be directed by public opinion; however, Police needs to take responsibility for communicating more effectively with the public to explain its actions and motivations and enhance public reassurance.

364. The Panel acknowledges that the Police Executive has maintained a determined focus on the CCSC since the announcement of this review and that initial steps have been taken in addressing some of the problems identified. It also acknowledges the Commissioner’s expression of commitment to this review and its findings.

365. Finally, the Review Panel is grateful to members of the public, and those private and public organisations who made submissions to the review, or who gave of their time in order to meet with the Panel. The Panel also wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Police Executive, management and staff of the CCSC, and other Police managers and staff, without whose time and contribution this review would not have been possible.

Endnotes

[15] Whyte, J. 2003, Crimes Against Logic, pp26-28, Corvo Books Ltd. Great Britain.