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Police Chief Defends Force Amid Trust Concerns

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told a parliamentary hearing there are no systemic issues in the police.
He cited the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report, which found significant failures in handling sexual misconduct cases, but he said problems are not widespread.
Chambers noted pockets of opportunity for improvement and defended the majority of police personnel.
Public trust fell to 69% with confidence, while feelings of safety after dark rose slightly.

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Story summary

New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told a parliamentary hearing there are no systemic issues in the police.
He cited the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report, which found significant failures in handling sexual misconduct cases, but he said problems are not widespread.
Chambers noted pockets of opportunity for improvement and defended the majority of police personnel.
Public trust fell to 69% with confidence, while feelings of safety after dark rose slightly.