Commissioner’s ‘to do’ list finalised

Howard Broad, Commissioner of Police, is heading toward the end of his term in the top job.

Commissioner Howard Broad discusses his plans at a media conference Photo: Kate Chapman, NZPA

Appointed in April 2006 for a five-year term, he confirmed earlier this month he has no plans to stay on.

“The statutory length of term of the commissioner is well suited for this role. It is a highly demanding and very rewarding one. Five years is enough time to maintain a strong focus, make a mark and then move on,” he said at a media conference at Police National Headquarters in early July.

Howard feels satisfied all the tasks he was originally appointed for have been completed. These include implementing the new Policing Act, major growth in police staff numbers, responding to the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct and building a firmer base for community policing. Initial responses to the recession have also absorbed a lot of time recently. “Now we need to prepare for the next phase in the life of Police.”

He says the top five items on his to do list are:

• Implementing recommendations that arose from the Independent Police Conduct Authority report into child abuse. This includes work on case management tools that provide staff with an end-to-end view of cases and a recognised work flow so they can categorise and prioritise their cases. Child abuse teams are at the forefront of using this system.

• Considering staff safety and the availability of weapons. The way Police identify risk around front line officers is currently being reworked. “I want that to be complete and have options prepared for consideration,” he says.

• Setting up the budget for 2011/12. “This is critical, because there’s no more money but we have to handle rising costs and rising demands on our staff. We have to think laterally and creatively about how to do it.” He also intends to have “thoughtful engagement” with the Police Association about what employment conditions might work in the future.

• Having absolute clarity around plans for policing the Rugby World Cup by Christmas.

• Concluding the international relationship agreement he instigated with China. He also plans to update and re-sign the memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.

The State Services Commission is responsible for the appointment process of the next commissioner.