Trust and confidence levels in police remain high and stable, according to results of the latest citizens' satisfaction survey.

Acting deputy commissioner Grant Nicholls says the survey results are pleasing, with trust and confidence stable at 78 per cent, and increased feelings of safety in local neighbourhoods during the day and after dark.

A citizens' satisfaction survey shows people's confidence of our boys and girls in blue remains high.

The independently-run survey asks people their views about police, feelings of safety and what their service experience was like if they recently had contact with police. This year, close to 9260 people throughout the country took part in the research.

Grant says it's pleasing to see trust and confidence remain so high.

'At 78 per cent, New Zealand Police's overall trust and confidence rating would be the envy of many overseas police organisations,” he says.

Amongst other findings from the survey, 84 per cent of people who had recent contact with police were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of that service.

Grant is pleased with the score since people were often in stressful situations when they were in contact with the police.

The survey found that 42 per cent of the population had contact with the police within a six-month period, and half of those contacts were at the roadside.

'We aspire to be an organisation which is easy to deal with and maintains high standards of service, so it's great that such a large majority of New Zealanders come away satisfied with the service they get from us,” adds Grant.

'The results highlight the good work of our staff who are out there, going the extra mile every day to serve their communities, and it's great to see their commitment being recognised through the survey.

'We also recognise that we can't take it for granted and will continue to work hard in order to maintain the trust and confidence of New Zealanders.

'The survey gives members of the public the opportunity to tell us how we are doing, and we thank those who took the time to participate in the survey.”