The Police union says the new Minister's expectations are very clear, but it's less clear how they can be achieved while having to make cost savings.
Mark Mitchell met with Police Commissioner Andrew Coster yesterday and released a letter afterward setting out what he expects, including more of a focus on core policing with a back-to-basics approach.
Mr Mitchell says he wants a more visible police presence and new legislation used to crack down on gangs.
But he also told the Police Commissioner that police would still have to find cost savings, just as other government agencies and departments do.
President of the Police Association, Chris Cahill, says police are already struggling to retain officers, and it's going to be tough to deliver what the government wants without more resources.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
