Why Police oversight matters

Read about why independent oversight matters even in a country like New Zealand where the Police are committed to high standards of conduct.

Effective, efficient Policing services are the cornerstone of a free and democratic society. Independent oversight provides assurance for both the public and Police that allegations of misconduct or neglect of duty are properly dealt with.

Independent oversight:

• protects citizens against abuse of those powers, including excessive force
• exposes misconduct
• improves Police practice and policy
• provides public accountability
• encourages discipline within the Police
• protects against corruption
• protects against politicisation of the Police
• enhances public trust and confidence in the justice system and
• contributes towards the justice sector outcomes of a safe and just society.