NZ Police Commissioner criticises NT Police conditions, claims Kiwis want to return home
NT Police have rejected the comments from New Zealand’s highest ranked police officer, who says NT Police lacks camaraderie, which is prompting Kiwi defectors to return home.
New Zealand’s highest ranked police officer says NT Police lacks camaraderie which is prompting Kiwi defectors to return home - however NT Police have rejected the comments saying they’re a tight-knit team who “look out for one another”.
In an interview last week, NZ Police Commissioner Richard Chambers discussed the issue of losing Kiwi officers across the Tasman.
“When I learnt of Northern Territory coming back out here, I said ‘please explain why are you coming over here and poaching my colleagues?’ And the answer was pretty honest actually,” he told RNZ.
“They said that was because New Zealand produces such incredible police officers and that’s why they’re doing it.”
Mr Chambers’ workforce has been routinely targeted since NT Police started to routinely headhunt high-quality, ready-to-go cops Kiwi cops who were looking for a payrise.
The talent scouting has proven effective.
In August, almost 40 Kiwis signed up off the back of a single successful roadshow while nearly 50 put on the NT badge in February.
Mr Chambers conceded New Zealand could not compete financially with Darwin, but criticised NT Police’s culture and remote postings.
“...I’m hearing, and I’ve spoken to many staff who are coming home, they miss home, they miss their family, their friends, they miss New Zealand,” he said.
“Their experience in policing in Australia says to me they don’t have the same camaraderie that we have.
“Some of them have said to me they feel like they lack the support from bosses and some of the conditions that they find themselves working in Australia are pretty harsh.”
Mr Chambers also stressed the importance of conditions, saying “money is one thing”.
“There’s a lot more to policing than just that and some aren’t enjoying the remoteness or the isolation and the pretty hard working conditions that they encounter.”
NT Police told this masthead they meant no offence to Mr Chambers.
“The NT Police Force holds the New Zealand Police in the highest regard and has great respect for Commissioner Richard Chambers and his officers,” a spokesperson said.
“The New Zealand police officers who have joined our ranks are exceptionally well trained, highly professional, and bring valuable experience that strengthens our capability right across the Territory - they’ve integrated seamlessly into our team and are making a real difference in communities large and small.”
The spokesperson did agree the Territory posed a “challenging environment”.
“While that adjustment isn’t for everyone, the majority of New Zealand officers have proven to be an excellent fit,” they said.
The spokesperson also said camaraderie is not a weakness of the NT Police.
“We also pride ourselves on the camaraderie within the NT Police Force - it’s a strong, close-knit organisation where members look out for one another, and that support extends to our colleagues who have come from across the Tasman,” they said.
“We appreciate the skills, attitude and commitment they bring, and we value every one of them who chooses to serve alongside us in the NT.”
More Coverage
Originally published as NZ Police Commissioner criticises NT Police conditions, claims Kiwis want to return home
Katherine Town Council unveils ambitious community safety hit list
