NSW Police Attract Skilled New Zealand Officers
The NZ Police Association expressed concern about a recruitment drive targeting its serving officers, especially as their staff numbers are declining. This recruitment effort by the New South Wales (NSW) Police is aimed at attracting experienced police staff from New Zealand with cash and benefit incentives. The move is seen as ill-timed by the NZ coalition government.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb openly stated the department’s intention to attract senior constable level officers from Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the attractive pay and benefits offered. Premier Chris Minns echoed the need for more officers in light of recent events.
The recruitment drive comes at a time when the NZ Police Department is struggling to fill 250 vacancies while trying to meet election promises. Concerns arise that experienced officers may be enticed by incentives of up to $30,000 to move to NSW due to workload, pay, and benefits dissatisfaction.
NSW Police currently has around 18,000 personnel, including both sworn officers and civilian staff. The government disclosed 1,500 current vacancies, attributing the shortfall to previous neglect and mismanagement.
The government introduced an Experienced Officer Recruitment Scheme offering positions up to senior constable level six to address the strain on serving officers. These vacancies are described as crucial to alleviate the workload and pressure on the existing staff.
The National Party-led coalition government in NZ had pledged to increase the police force by 500 officers. The recruitment targets primarily cater to new recruits, causing concerns about the lack of experienced staff to handle rising gang-related crime.
A senior NZ officer highlighted the challenges faced by the force, such as understaffing, bold offenders, and lack of resources. While pay rates vary in both countries, experienced officers from NZ recruited by NSW are expected to earn significantly more.
Despite the allure of higher pay in NSW, the officer noted that the cost of living in cities like Sydney could offset the financial benefits, limiting the overall lifestyle improvement for migrating officers.
