The trial of three police officers charged with manslaughter has marked an unsettling milestone in New Zealand’s policing history and raised several ongoing issues for members and Police.
The month of annual meetings is done, and a big thanks to those who were able to attend to discuss the myriad issues before us, including the exceptional frustrations of this current pay round and progress, or lack thereof, with vaccinating police.
Gang taxing – a sometimes violent form of extortion and retribution – is happening multiple times a week in New Zealand with virtual impunity. Police see the results – often a shocking gunshot injury – but are limited in how they can respond.
Negotiations are ongoing for the Police employee and constabulary collectives. The Police Association has outlined priority claims and insisted that Police does better at looking out for “our people”.
Youth Aid is a long game. Much longer than the legal definition of the age of a young person and longer even than the career of any one police officer.
