Please attribute to Commissioner Mike Bush:
Suggestions of racial profiling by New Zealand Police or headlines about “systemic racism” are directly at odds with the core values we uphold, particularly diversity, professionalism, respect and commitment to Maori and the Treaty.
We strive to be a fair, impartial and bias free police service, and we are continually on a journey to ensure we achieve this.
However, the perception of our organisation by Ms Davidson is a real concern that we need to address.
I would welcome an opportunity to meet with Ms Davidson so that she can understand what we are doing in this area.
The headline allegation of ‘systemic racism’ does not reflect who we are as an organisation, or the service we deliver to help keep New Zealanders safe every day.
ENDS
Police Media Centre