PM attends Association's 75th Annual Conference - New Zealand ...

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceThe 75th Annual Conference of the NZ Police AssociationThe 75th Annual Conference of the NZ Police Association was held in Wellingtonfrom 13-15 October. International guests joined with the Prime Minister John Key,Leader of the Opposition, Phil Goff, Police Minister Judith Collins, Commissionerof Police Howard Broad and Life Members for the conference. Police AssociationCommunications Assistant Deb Stringer (pictured) was on hand to capture thetheme of the conference “Recognising the Risk” over the three days. Her reportson the various addresses and subjects discussed follow over the next 10 pages.Association President ‘recognisesthe risk’ for police officersAssociation President Greg O’Connor chose to take a trip downmemory lane to open this year’s 75th Annual Conference.He said the anniversary was a “very significant milestone” forany organisation. He said a brief look back at the history of theAssociation was in order.Mr O’Connor spoke of how the Association was registered on October28, 1936, following a long struggle by rank and file police, after yearsof poor pay and conditions.He revisited some of the most notable achievements in theorganisation’s early years and said the Association’s main aim hadalways been to work tirelessly for members.“It has grown in the breadth of services and staff numbers overthe years, but at all times, its success has ultimately relied onthe commitment and drive of the members who are active in theorganisation,” Mr O’Connor said.He said that especially included the area committee representativesand delegates as well as the Life Members. The latter were honouredat the conference dinner.Recognise the riskThe theme chosen for this year’s conference was “Recognise theRisk” - as policing is fundamentally about how officers respond torisky situations as safely as possible.“We do what we can to mitigate the danger. We do that throughtraining, policies and having the right equipment for the job.“But we can’t eliminate the risk completely. We have to accept thatrisk is inherent in the unique nature of the job,” he said.The need to complyMr O’Connor spoke about becoming bogged down by “a complianceculture” as a response to risk.“Compliance is about demonstrating that risk has been appropriatelymanaged. Reports and statistics are generated out of fear that wewill, one day, be asked to justify our actions.“Unfortunately, much of the compliance responsibility lands onthe very group which is the most vulnerable to the risks we as anAssociation seek to protect officers from – the frontline, generalistpolice officers.”Mr O’Connor said he understood that in an increasingly technologicalworld, specialised groups were needed. However, he said it shouldnot be to the detriment of the frontline.“The real risk is we end up with fewer and fewer generalist officers todeal with the real threat to the public – criminal behaviour,” he said.He called on the Government to reduce compliance regimes in orderto alleviate the situation.“We only have to look at the great results being achieved in Counties-Manukau, where the Government, and I acknowledge the Minister’srole in this, has put 300 more generalist staff into the district.Clearances are up, crime is down, and complaints against police aredown. Now that’s what I call risk reduction.”Nature of the jobMr O’Connor said much of the risk in policing comes from the uniquenature of the job.“Policing is unique in that members are required to confrontcriminals. Walking away when life or property is being threatened isnot an option.”• Police Association President Greg O’Connor gives the openingaddress to Conference delegates and other attendees.308December 2010