Report on Police submissions, July 1998

Introduction

This report summarises the views and ideas expressed to the Review Team in written submissions by members of, and groups within, the New Zealand Police. Despite the tight timeframe, the response rate has been impressive - in excess of 400 submissions were received. Submissions from external individuals and organisations are the subject of a separate report.

The Review Team records its thanks and appreciation to sworn and non sworn members. The standard of submissions was very high, reflecting the fact that many members had put a great deal of thought into the issues raised by the review. This report focuses on the main themes covered by the submissions overall. It does not purport to exhaustively list all points of view on all aspects of the review, or to detail all ideas expressed or suggestions made. Nor does it purport to cover the high level of detail, argument, and supporting factual material contained in particular submissions. It is a summary.

The Commissioner of Police has separately read all submissions, as have staff at Police National Headquarters. Headquarters staff are vetting the submissions to ensure that all relevant considerations are factored into the review and the process that follows it. The issues that attracted the most attention were outsourcing (especially search and rescue, fleet management, photography, and welfare) and reduction in the numbers of non sworn staff. These issues stood out not only for the number of submissions but also for the strength of the opinions expressed.

Set out below is a summary of the main themes that emerged from the submissions. At various points in the summary, extracts from particular submissions are quoted. These quotes are identified by submission number rather than by the individual or group that made the submission. This has been done because some individuals or groups making submissions may prefer not to be identified in what will effectively be a published document.

Table of contents

INTRODUCTION
SUMMARY OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
REVIEW PROCESS
    General
    Timeframe
    Level of Information Provided
    Level of Overall Resourcing for Police
Scope of the Review
GOVERNANCE
    General
    Terms of Reference
    Commissioner
Advisory Board
ORGANISATIONAL (RE)STRUCTURE
    General
    Removal of Regional Structure
    Reconfiguration of Districts
    Ranks/the Five-Level Principle
FUTURE RESTRUCTURING PROCESS
    General
    Timing and Process
    Filling Positions/Access to Jobs
    Staff Numbers and Deployment of Staff
    Surplus Positions and Redundancy
GENERIC GROUPS/THEMES
    Women
    Iwi Liaison
    Youth and Youth Education
    Community Liaison
SERVICE CENTRES
NON SWORN STAFF
    General
    Typists
    Clerical/Support
SPECIFIC OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS/LOCATIONS
    Commissioner's Office
    Traffic Safety
    Legal Services
    Other Specialist Services
OUTSOURCING
    General
    Prisoner Escort/Custody
    Scene Guard
    Infringement Processing
    Speed Camera Operation
    Document Serving
    Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU)
    Search and Rescue (SAR)
    Photography
    Video Unit
    Lost and Found
    Communication Centres
    Information Technology
    Property Management
    Fleet Ownership/Maintenance
    Stores
    Payroll
    Management Review and Audit
    Accounting
    Records
    Cafeteria
    Welfare
PURCHASING SUPPLIES
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
    General
    Police Housing
TRAINING