Early retirement for police?

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 2

Early retirement for police?

PA Wellington Earlier retirement for the police and a system of fitness standards will-be considered by the Government as a way of coping with officers who are unfit for full duties. The Minister of Police, Mr Couch, told the Police Association yesterday that the Government accepted a certain standard of over-all fitness was required of the police to meet their demanding tasks. "The Government agrees staff should meet a pre-

scribed standard of medical, eical, and psychological ss and acknowledges that there are inevitably some members who, for these and other reasons, are not able to carry out full duties effectively,” Mr Couch said.

“In the interests of the service, suitable exit mechanisms should be developed to enable such members to leave without being disadvantaged.”

Mr Couch said there would be provision for alternative employment or compensation for staff who failed to meet the fitness standards and were “medically retired.”

Officials will work out proposals for the new employment system.

This decision was made after consideration of a report by the Police Personnel Policy Committee.

The committee also made recommendations about support services, recruitment, and training. They have been referred to the Commissioner of Police for further consideration.