Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has announced the trial locations for the organisation’s Tactical Response Model.
The Commissioner said the Model was an important part of improving the safety and capability of frontline staff and communities and would now be trialled in Northland, Counties Manukau, Waikato and Central districts.
“I want to thank everyone from Police and the public who took time to share their feedback on the Tactical Response Model proposal. Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and the communities they serve, so it is heartening that people have taken time to tell us what they think about our approach,” Commissioner Coster said.
Police held more than 570 engagement sessions over a four-week consultation period in communities across the country with iwi, Pacific, and ethnic communities, as well all other agencies. The Commissioner said the feedback was positive and no changes would be made to the Tactical Response Model prior to its rollout.
In September the Government announced $15 million of new funding for the new Tactical Response Model, the expansion of the Frontline Skills Enhancement Course, and an additional 78 constabulary staff and 28 intelligence analysts.
Police Minister Poto Williams has welcomed the progression of the Model trials.
“As Police Minister, I am committed to ensuring Police have the people, resources, and legislation they need to keep themselves and our communities safe,” said Ms Williams.
“That’s why we provided this funding to accelerate the new Tactical Response Model, to increase the training and capability of frontline staff.
“Our Police go above and beyond what is expected to keep our communities safe. I want each and every one of them to get home safely to their whānau at the end of the day. This Government’s record investment in Police has seen more officers than ever before tackling gangs and organised crime. The Tactical Response Model is a further tool to keep our officers safe, so they in turn can keep our communities safe.
“The Tactical Response Model has been developed alongside frontline staff and has been consulted on with a wide range of community partners. It is something our Police staff have asked for and will help deliver the levels of safety our communities expect.
“I am looking forward to seeing how it works in practice on the frontline,” the Minister said.
Further information is available at www.police.govt.nz/trm
