NZ Police Commissioner Told to Stop Gangs From Taking Over ‘Towns, Public Roads’

New Zealand’s new police minister, Mark Mitchell, has written to the Commissioner of Police Andrew Coster setting out the National-led government’s “expectations” in an attempt to ensure a tougher line against crime—a key policy plank for all three coalition parties: National, ACT, and NZ First. While convention forbids ministers from interfering in “operational matters,” there is a provision in the Policing Act 2008 allowing them to expect the commissioner to deliver on the government’s direction and priorities. The Public Service Commissioner provided support with the drafting of the letter (pdf). While in Opposition, Mr. Mitchell was an outspoken critic of policing as carried out under Mr. Coster....