Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 31, 2024
The Government has unveiled the budget aimed at bolstering public safety through substantial investments in frontline police and corrections services.
Announcing the details, Police and Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell highlighted the commitment to cracking down on crime and ensuring safer communities for all New Zealanders.
“We are serious about cracking down on crime and keeping communities safe so people can go about their lives in peace. We back our Police and are giving them more of the tools they need to do their incredibly hard job,” said Mr Mitchell.
Key Police Funding Highlights
The Budget 2024 allocates an additional $651 million over four years to enhance frontline policing. This investment includes the reinvestment of $55.1 million in savings identified within the Police’s back-office functions.
Key components of the police funding include:
- $226.1 million to recruit an additional 500 Police officers.
- $424.9 million to support frontline policing, including a significant $242.2 million boost in police pay.
- $62.7 million for new frontline police vehicles and maritime capabilities.
Mr Mitchell emphasised the need for specialised vehicles and equipment, stating, “Our frontline Police officers do an incredible job both on the ground and on the water. These new vehicles will enable our Police to disrupt crime wherever it is occurring.”
Major Corrections Investment Announced
In addition to the police funding, government announced a $1.9 billion investment aimed at increasing frontline corrections officers, supporting offender rehabilitation, and expanding prison capacity.
“Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, and that means ensuring there are serious consequences for serious offenders,” said Mr Mitchell.
Key components of the corrections funding include:
- $442 million in identified savings reinvested into frontline corrections.
- $810 million for a 810-bed extension to Waikeria prison to enhance capacity, safety, and security across the prison network.
- $78 million to extend rehabilitation programs for the 45% of prisoners on remand.
- Recruitment and training of 685 new frontline staff at Corrections, including 470 corrections officers.
Mr Mitchell noted the critical role of corrections staff in managing violent and complex offenders and the importance of investing in pay increases to attract, retain, and train staff effectively.
Comprehensive Crime Crackdown
The Government’s comprehensive plan to restore law and order also includes new powers for police to crack down on gang offending and illegal firearms, reinstating the Three Strikes law, establishing military academies for youth offenders and implementing tougher sentences for serious crimes.
“In addition to getting violent criminals off the street, it is important the right support is in place to help offenders break the cycle of offending and turn their lives around,” Mr Mitchell added.
Feedback from the Community
Local business owners have voiced their support for the Government’s new budget, recognising its potential to enhance public safety. Mr. Patel, a dairy owner in Hamilton, expressed his approval and said, “As a small business owner, I have seen first-hand the impact of crime on our community. This budget shows that the Government is committed to making our neighbourhoods safer. More police on the streets and better support for corrections will help protect businesses like mine and give us peace of mind. I fully support these investments.”
Himanshu Parmar, the ACT candidate from Hamilton and a prominent voice against crime, shared his cautious optimism on the budget announcements.
“This is good news and a terrific goal to have to keep law and order in check. But I remain concerned about how they are going to actually deliver this target. Police are already struggling to attract new people into its workforce. With an increased lure of higher-paying jobs in Australia, 500 new police officers is not looking likely at all. In fact, the government is actually now 548 away from reaching its target according to the Police News magazine released in April 2024.”
“The $78 million investment over three years to extend rehabilitation programs to remand prisoners is a great investment and much needed to help reform offenders. But again, I remain concerned about whether this can actually be delivered with corrections struggling to recruit just like the police,” he said.
“It is great to see the coalition government increasing prison capacity, which will inevitably be utilized as new legislation kicks in, like the return of Three Strikes and other reforms.”
Commitment to Public Safety
Mr Mitchell concluded by reiterating the Government’s unwavering support for law enforcement and corrections services. “Our Government is serious about restoring law and order. Our plan means that all New Zealanders can have confidence they will be safer in their homes, workplaces, and communities.”
The significant investment in both frontline policing and corrections underscores the Government’s dedication to enhancing public safety and ensuring that law enforcement and corrections services have the resources needed to maintain law and order effectively.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
