Police Minister Mark Mitchell says he's regained confidence in Police Commissioner Andrew Coster but has suggested the public may still need convincing.
In a four-page letter yesterday, Mitchell laid out his concerns and expectations for Coster, signalling a shift in the policing style under the new government.
He said he wanted the New Zealand Police to focus on "core policing with a back-to-basics approach". The minister said he would support the police with legislation.
"Gangs have become more violent and more present in our communities, intimidating the public and taking over public roads and spaces. This needs to stop.
"I expect police will use the powers provided to them in legislation to ensure gangs will not take over towns, public roads, or spaces. Law abiding members of the public are entitled to have their rights to safety and freedoms protected."
Mitchell told 1News: "I thought the letter was a very good idea, in terms of having a reset, putting a line in the sand, making sure that the commissioner was very clear in terms of our expectations as an incoming government."
"He's assured me that, after having read that document, he can lead the police service in the direction we need to go."
Mitchell added: "The public surveys that have been done show that there has been a loss of public confidence in the police — the commissioner is in charge of the police."
It comes after National and ACT ran on a tough-on-crime approach during the election, spotlighting ram-raids, youth crime, and gang behaviour.
Coster told 1News today: "The letter was very clear, but actually the things that are in it are the things that we believe need to shift."
The commissioner said surveys showed public support for police was at 70%. He stood by his approach, saying that the police still continued to have a high level of trust.
"Seventy per cent is an incredibly high level of trust and confidence by international standards. I believe I've got what it takes to do this job."
The letter sent to Coster discussed the actions the Government expected in its first 100 days, which included a crackdown on gangs — including on patches.
In 2021, National's then-justice spokesperson Simon Bridges called Coster a "wokester commissioner" and suggested he took a "softly, softly approach".
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