Top-level campaign against cuts

Press, 3 June 1989, Page 8

Top-level campaign against cuts

By

BRENDON BURNS

in Wellington

Budget cuts for the police are due to be considered by the Cabinet on Tuesday, and a campaign of opposition is under way at the highest levels. The Commissioner of Police, Mr John Jamieson, issued a press statement this week about rumours of staff and resource cuts — without the customary clearance by his Minister. The Minister of Police, Mr Tapsell, is overseas but neither he nor the Acting Minister, Mr Jef-

fries, was advised of the statement before its release. Mr Jamieson confirmed in the statement that the May intake at the police training college near Wellington had been deferred. A question mark was left over the June intake. Last evening, in response to inquiries, Assistant Commissioner Brian Duncan agreed that consideration had been given to cancelling police promotions and transfers to help save money. A host of rumours are

circulating through the ranks about what the coming year’s Budget may bring. The Acting Minister, Mr Jeffries, has cautioned people against believing all they hear. He would not speak on Budget matters but said the police, like all other departments, had to face restraints on expenditure. Mr Jamieson said in his statement he was still talking through Budget issues with Mr Jeffries. He did not expect to be able to make any further comment until at least the middle of next week.

Mr Jamieson did little to allay the concerns of staff, saying he was aware of rumoured cuts, "but was not in a position to confirm or deny them." Deferral of the recruit intake comes at a time when some police chiefs say they are understaffed. In Auckland, Assistant Commissioner Brian Davies said his staff numbers were grossly inadequate at more than 90 below strength. But the head of the Canterbury region’s force, Assistant Commissioner Emmett Mitten, said last

evening his region was not understaffed. He said this included the West Coast, South Canterbury and rural areas, as well as Christchurch. “We may be one or two over, but we are certainly not understaffed.” He said the deferral of the police recruit intake could have an effect "further down the track." The situation in Christchurch could change depending on where future appointments were made. He said he did not know of any decision to cancel promotions and transfers.