Police Force

Sir: The Hon. P.B. Allen has stated at the Police Officers Guild Conference that the image of New Zealand policemen will change to a more humane and positive one. This would be an admirable development. But who is going to [wave] the magic wand? If the Police Minister means simply, for example, that children in schools will be told regularly that policemen are their friends I see no advantage in it, for many of them may later be severely disillusioned by the gap between image and reality.

If he means that at long last there will be a nation-wide spring-cleaning and renovation of our police force, to eliminate an increasing tradition of lack of courtesy to the public and physical or mental bullying of those in custody, the spring-time will indeed be at hand. Such changes can only occur if the wisest and most humane within the police force itself are stimulated and encouraged to take charge of the situation.

1967 (456)