Research – External Researcher Requests
External researchers can apply to the New Zealand Police Research Panel for access to New Zealand Police information and resources.
- Information and resources include staff time and research that involves staff as participants.
- External researchers include police staff who may be studying towards a higher degree or collaborating with an external agency on a research project.
Research proposals submitted to the New Zealand Police Research Panel should use the template below. All sections should be filled out, and all requested information should be provided. This will ensure that the New Zealand Police Research Panel receives all relevant information needed to consider and progress applications as quickly as possible. Applicants will not be progressed if documentation is missing.
Once an application is received, complete with supporting documentation, an initial review of the application is carried out by New Zealand Police subject matter experts and Evidence Based Policing Research and Evaluation staff. Once it is established that the application meets the minimum requirements it is reviewed by the New Zealand Police Research Panel.
Please note that full ethical approval from an accredited institutional ethics committee is currently a mandatory requirement in our process. If you do not have access to a committee, please contact us for advice. It is also important external researchers are familiar with the Police policy for External Researchers’ Access to Resources, Data or Privileged Information (PDF 192KB) prior to submitting a proposal. You can find a copy of this Policy below.
Police Data Requests
New Zealand Police takes the privacy and confidentiality of the data we hold seriously. Any release of Police data outside the organisation is carefully assessed through established data governance and research oversight processes.
Decisions are made on a case‑by‑case basis and depend on factors such as capacity, operational priorities, ability to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place and the nature of the request. Early engagement is encouraged, as not all requests can be accommodated.
You may wish to consider the following avenues:
- Publicly available Police data
- Official Information Act request
- Accessing the IDI
Research Application Timeframes
The New Zealand Police Research Panel meet regularly to progress research proposals submitted for consideration. Typical processing times are between 2 to 3 months. In addition, progress for applications will be reduced due to capacity of staff. This will mean longer than usual timeframes for approval. We encourage you to engage with us as soon as possible so we can provide you with advice and guidance as early on in the process.
Please email completed applications to research@police.govt.nz