President's Column - The drive for "efficiencies"
Last month, I was fortunate enough to spend time with thousands of police in Washington and in the UK as part of my role as Chair of the International Council of Police Representative Associations.
Our Washington meeting coincided with National Police Week where thousands of US police descend on Washington for a series of events culminating in a memorial service for fallen officers on Capitol Hill, usually attended by the President.
In the UK I had the opportunity to address the Police Federation of England and Wales Conference, one attended by police from all over the UK and from around the world.
Being totally immersed with police from around the world, discussing issues like pursuits, arming and the effects of the recession, gave a good perspective on what’s happening in policing globally, and how we compare.
Naturally the Americans can’t conceive visiting even the supermarket without a firearm, let alone policing without one.
On the other hand, I was surprised that forces in the northern states, in particular, have virtually given up pursuits unless they know the offender has committed a felony against a person.
The southern states take a slightly different line, which involves, in the words of one Police Chief I spoke to: “Chasin’ ‘em to Hell”.
However, like the UK, much of their policy is governed by fear of lawsuits, even from offenders injured as a result of pursuits.
The UK, with its 43 different forces, has a variety of policies but most tend to be similar to our own with all factors being considered and ultimately, an evaluation of risk all along the way.
They are trying to adopt a standardised approach.
One thing they are all facing is severe cost cutting, resulting in layoffs in the US and pay and increment freezes in the UK and increased pension contributions.
Only our Australian colleagues with their “let’s dig some more stuff out of the ground and sell it to Asia” policy seem to be immune.
I came back to New Zealand confident that New Zealand police are reflective of much about this country: efficient, versatile, and lean.
Anyone who thinks there is any fat left in our system just needs to visit a few overseas jurisdictions to see what value for money the New Zealand taxpayer gets from its police.
From what I saw, I’m sure the same can be said of most industries, whether financial, farming, or general service.
So if you think you seem to be working harder and more efficiently than ever, it’s probably because you are. If you wonder where proposed ‘efficiencies’ are going to come from without seriously disrupting the service you give to the public, join the club.
