Submitted by admin on April 22, 2009 - 22:05
Police Organisations
The New Zealand Police Association, formed in 1936, speaks for individual constables and non-commissioned members of the Police. Above non-commissioned rank staff interests are represented by the Police Officers' Guild. The movement began in Auckland, the first attempt being made in 1913 to form the association. The effort broke down, however, in the face of opposition from the Minister of Justice. Provision was made for non-commissioned members to join the Public Service Association, but this proved unsuccessful. Police members were thus left without any effective organisation until 1935, when the Government acceded to a proposal to form a police association. Present membership is about 2,500. Each of the 15 police districts annually elects a district committee, sending a delegate to an annual conference in Wellington. The general secretary of the organisation is the only paid officer, and is not a member of the Police.
The New Zealand Police Officers' Guild was set up in 1955, its secretary and executive being located in Wellington. Its objects are to provide a channel of direct approach to the Commissioner, or to the Minister, if need be, on matters affecting the Police in general and commissioned officers in particular; to provide harmony among commissioned officers; and to assist the Commissioner in his task of controlling the Police in its service to, and in the interests of, the Government and public.
The Commissioner from time to time consults the guild and outlines administrative changes he may have in mind.