Budget increase allows for new officers in BOP

More police staff is being allocated to the Bay of Plenty.

The Bay of Plenty will see 125 new police officers as part of a nationwide allocation of additional officers, following a $298.8 million increase for Police in Budget 2018.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush has today confirmed further details around the allocation of the 1800 additional officers.

'Our organisation aspires for New Zealand to be the world's safest country. These 1800 officers, alongside 485 support staff, will really enhance our work to keep people safe, and ensure they feel safe.

'I am delighted to confirm that all 12 policing districts will receive a significant boost over the next few years.

'This will enable police to increase our visibility and presence across the country.”

District Commander Andy McGregor has welcomed the 125 additional officers allocated to the Bay of Plenty district.

'This allocation will make a big impact on resourcing the front line and investigations, and targeting organised crime and drugs.

'Further staff will be allocated to prevention roles in Youth, Family Harm, Community, and Crime and Drug Prevention.

"This boost in staffing levels will enable us to be more responsive to our communities, be a lot more visible and really start to target those drivers of demand, thereby preventing more crime and keeping our communities safe.”

The district is also establishing a Precision Targeting Team that will focus on priority and prolific offenders to reduce crime such as burglary, car crime and robberies.

This team will complement the extra staff targeting organised crime.

'Organised crime and drugs are a major issue for Bay of Plenty District, driving a lot of violent and dishonesty offending in our communities.

"We are pleased to have received an extra 29 staff to combat the harm they inflict on our communities from methamphetamine supply and addiction, violence, intimidation and other serious offending."

All 12 District Commanders are now working with their leadership teams to determine deployment decisions at an area and station level.

These decisions will be communicated to their communities once confirmed.

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