20 Jan 2011

PM defends police after critical report

2:35 pm on 20 January 2011

Prime Minister John Key is defending the police following the release of a report critical of police management.

The report reviewed changes made after rape accusations against officers led to a Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct in 2007.

It said senior managers fail to take bold action to show poor performance will not be tolerated and that quality of management varies tremendously.

Mr Key told Summer Noelle that he would not like to see police morale damaged as a result of the report.

While some changes are required, he said he thinks police do a wonderful job for New Zealanders.