In this Annual Report, we cover how 2011/12 was a year in which recorded crime fell 5.2 percent with 21,802 fewer recorded offences than in 2010/11. The total of 394,522 recorded offences was the lowest in around two decades.
The road toll of 287 was also the lowest financial year toll since records began, and 28 deaths fewer than in the previous year.
Policing of the Rugby World cup was the largest operation of the year and delivered a largely trouble-free tournament.
New Zealand Police continued to contribute to the Government’s goals by focusing on the priority areas of; prevention (of crime and victimisation) and reduction of demand on the criminal justice system; clamping down on gangs and drugs; improved operational and financial performance and reassurance policing.
During the year, Police has delivered on the Government’s goals by working collaboratively with other government and non-government agencies to reduce the burden of crime and road trauma imposed on society and the economy.
The 2009/10 year presented an opportunity to refine the New Zealand Police business model. Economic challenges of the previous year provided a springboard for innovative thinking across the organisation. Staff at all levels contributed ideas about how Police could evolve to meet the needs and expectations of New Zealanders and the Government well into the future.
During 2008/09 we focused on implementing the Police Strategic Plan to 2010, Policing with Confidence, the New Zealand Way, achieving our vision of ‘safer communities together’ and our key outcomes. This has progressed well, despite the world being in the grip of a financial and economic crisis. This situation has increased our government’s interest and focus on value for money and how the New Zealand Police invests taxpayer funds.
While high-profile crime and policing operations dominated the headlines, organisationally the 2007/08 financial year was one of progress as the benefits of the three-year programme of increased investment in extra staff became apparent. Police made significant headway with several of the tougher tasks relating to community reassurance, policing with confidence and organisational development identified in our Strategic Plan.
The 2006/07 financial year constituted the first year of our Strategic Plan to 2010. We have made progress towards our goals of community reassurance, policing with confidence and organisational development. This year, important focus has been placed on the changing nature of the global policing environment and the focus on community expectations at home.
