Police irked by official ’trifling'

Press, 16 June 1979, Page 4

Police irked by official ’trifling'

FA Wellington A special conference of the Police Association has e prc-'-ed strong disapproval of the way its industrial claim* have been "trifled with bv officials over the last two This v' is revealed bv the a scoria r ion’s secretary (i*>r K. Moodiet after »ne • G ill) said in answer to a w r i tt e n Parliamentary oue*tion that rhe conference was “satisfied” with the progress being made on its claims Ihe conference on Mav 31. wa.* the second special meeting the association has called to discuss its claims for improved oav and conditions. The first was <asl November ir. the week before the was made on claims for increased margins for sergeant s and on May 28 the Cabinet approved a sub•i<tv for a police insurance scheme. ‘The meeting was satisfied that orogres* w->s being made.” said Dr Moodie.

“But the meeting also expressed strong disapproval of the wav application* for conditions of service ha”e been trifled with bv officials over the List 18 months to two ve.irs and the con■.ecuenttal effect thi* has had on police morale.” he said. The conference had reiterated its view that police could n>.f be treated in 'be *ame wav as other industrial groups “The executive's concern is that we have probable reached the end of the line in so far as our ahilitv to nersuade member* to retain their confidence ir. the system : s concerned.” Dr Moodie said Police morale was now “higher than it has been for a long time.” hut the conference had instructed him to seek new procedures for seri'ing police wa 'es and conditions. “You must treat the police in the same wav as vou treat the Judiciarv.” h said. "Judges’ salaries are determined hv the independent High Salaries Commission "The emphasis must be on a machinery police officers can have confidence in,” Dr Moodie said.