New Zealand Police#Ranks

Prior to British colonization, law in New Zealand was based on {{lang|mi|tikanga Māori}} and enforced by local iwi leaders through formal assemblies called rūnanga, with enforcement action carried out by selected warriors or expert practitioners called tohunga.{{Cite report |title=Legal Research Guide: Māori Customary Law |date=2023-07-05 |url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/llglrd/2019670441/2019670441.pdf |publisher=Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate }}

File:WilliamHobsonGovNZ.jpg

The first formal policing service in New Zealand started in 1840 with the arrival of six constables of the New South Wales mounted police accompanying Lieutenant Governor William Hobson's official landing party to form the colony of New Zealand.{{cite book |last1=Simpson |first1=Tony |title=Before Hobson |date=2015 |publisher=Blythswood Press |location=Wellington |isbn=978-0-473-31284-8}}{{page needed|date=March 2022}} Governor Hobson empowered Police Magistrates to appoint constables to enforce British laws within the early settlements.{{Cite web |title=The establishment of New Zealand Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/history/establishment |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

The early 1800s saw increased scrutiny of policing practices throughout the British Empire,{{cite book | title= A History of Police in England and Wales | first= Thomas Alan | last= Critchley | year= 1978 | quote= The Statute of Winchester was the only general public measure of any consequence enacted to regulate the policing of the country between the Norman Conquest and the Metropolitan Police Act, 1829…}} inspired in particular by the Metropolitan Police Act 1829 which had introduced policing by consent. Despite these reforms, policing in colonial New Zealand continued to operate by force, especially towards Māori people.{{Cite journal |title=The History of Policing in New Zealand: The Theory and Practice of Coercive, Social and Racial Control in New Zealand, 1767-1867 |journal=Political Science |last=Hill |first=Richard |date=1987-07-15 |volume=39 |issue=1 |via=Victoria University of Wellington |doi=10.1177/003231878703900109}} Supplemented by a small number of British soldiers, the Colonial Police played a significant role in extending British control beyond the first settlements.

Under governor George Grey, the colonial police forces were replaced by the Armed Police Force (APF) in 1846, under the Constabulary Act 1846.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ca184610v1846n2280/ca184610v1846n2280.html |title=Constabulary Act 1846 (10 Victoriae 1846 No 2) |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010226/http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ca184610v1846n2280/ca184610v1846n2280.html |url-status=live }} The subsequent Armed Constabulary Act 1867 focused the force on dealing with unrest between the indigenous Māori and the encroaching European settlers and the force grew to 200 musket-trained men.{{Cite web |url=https://cambridgemuseum.org.nz/armed-constabulary-act/ |title=Armed Constabulary Act |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001193322/https://cambridgemuseum.org.nz/armed-constabulary-act/ |url-status=live }} The armed constabulary took part in military actions against Māori opponents Riwha Tītokowaru in Taranaki and Te Kooti in the central North Island in the final stages of the New Zealand Wars.{{cite web |title=Te Kooti's war begins |work=NZHistory.net |publisher=Ministry for Culture and Heritage |date=20 December 2012 |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/te-kootis-war/begins |access-date=1 April 2014 |archive-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423174609/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/te-kootis-war/begins |url-status=live }}

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The Provinces of New Zealand Act 1875 abolished the early provinces of New Zealand,{{cite web |url=http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/pdf/hoc_fr_bulletins/31_bulletin.pdf |title=New Zealand's Nine Provinces (1853–76) |publisher=Friends of the Hocken Collections |date=21 March 2000 |access-date=9 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205012614/http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/pdf/hoc_fr_bulletins/31_bulletin.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2011 |url-status=dead }} and as a result, the AFP merged with the assorted policing organizations present in the former provinces to form the New Zealand Constabulary Force in 1877. The new force had two main divisions: the Policing Branch in the cities and the Field Force, which continued to exercise military-style surveillance over Māori in some areas. The last significant operation of the Field Force was the crushing of Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi’s passive resistance movement at Parihaka in 1881.{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Catherine |date=2022-11-02 |title=Parihaka commemorations remember peaceful resistance |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/130327534/parihaka-commemorations-remember-peaceful-resistance |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

The New Zealand Police Force was established as a single national law enforcement agency under the Police Force Act 1886.

At the same time, the militia functions of the Armed Constabulary were transferred to the New Zealand Permanent Militia by the Defence Act 1886.{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1r12/1|title=Roberts, John Mackintosh|first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|last=Taonga|access-date=2 November 2016}}

Just a decade later, policing in New Zealand was given a significant overhaul. In 1898 there was a very constructive Royal Commission of Enquiry into New Zealand Police.{{Cite web |title=He matapihi o nehe rā: A window into the past - 1880s |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/history-museum/museum/exhibitions/he-matapihi-o-nehe-ra/1880s |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} The Royal Commission, which included the reforming Commissioner Tunbridge{{Cite web |last=Taonga |first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu |title=Tunbridge, John Bennett |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2t52/tunbridge-john-bennett |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |language=en}} who had come from the Metropolitan Police in London, produced a far-reaching report which laid the basis for positive reform of New Zealand Police for the next several decades. A complete review of police legislation in 1908 built significantly off the Royal Commission's work.

A further police force act, in 1947,{{Cite web |title=Police Force Act 1947 (11 GEO VI 1947 No 13) |url=https://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/pfa194711gv1947n13197/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.nzlii.org}} reflected some changes of a growing New Zealand, and a country coming out of World War II. The most significant change in the structure and arrangement for police came after the departure of Commissioner Compton under a cloud of government and public concern over his management of Police in 1955.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-09 |title=NZ Police - Police Managers' Guild Trust |url=https://pmgt.org.nz/nz-police-2/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |language=en-GB}} The appointment of a caretaker civilian leader of police, especially titled "controller general" to recognise his non-operational background, opened the windows on the organisation and allowed a period of positive and constructive development to take place.

In 1953 police horses were retired.{{Cite web |last=Lines-MacKenzie |first=Jo |date=23 July 2017 |title=Mounted Benneydale police officer |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/94825625/mounted-benneydale-police-officer |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Stuff}}

Despite being the same organisation in 1958, the word force was removed from the name with the Police Act 1958, which was a significant overhaul of police legislation.{{Cite web |title=The establishment of New Zealand Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/history/establishment#:~:text=In%201958%20a%20new%20Police,New%20Zealand%20Police%20or%20Police. |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

File:Laura Bush New Zealand Police Bamiyan Afghanistan 20080609-1 p060808sc-0816-515h.jpg, First Lady of the United States in this 2008 photo, meeting New Zealand Police officers in Bamyan, Afghanistan]]

On 1 July 1992, the Traffic Safety Service of the Ministry of Transport was merged with the police.{{Cite web |url=https://www.noted.co.nz/life/life-in-nz/when-traffic-cops-used-to-rule-new-zealand-roads/ |title=When traffic cops used to rule New Zealand roads |last=Noted |website=Noted |language=en |access-date=2019-06-19 |archive-date=4 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504101333/https://www.noted.co.nz/life/life-in-nz/when-traffic-cops-used-to-rule-new-zealand-roads/ |url-status=live }} Up until that time, the Ministry of Transport and local councils had been responsible for traffic law enforcement. In 2000, the police re-established a specialist road policing branch known as the "highway patrol".{{Cite web |title=Role of the Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/school-portal/resources/living-safe-community/role-police#:~:text=At%20the%20end%20of%202000,the%20seriousness%20of%20the%20crashes. |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} Today the police are mainly responsible for enforcing traffic law, while local councils can appoint parking wardens, who can enforce traffic rules regarding parking and special vehicle lanes.{{cite web |title=Section 128E Powers of parking wardens – Land Transport Act 1998 |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/166.0/DLM3812421.html |website=New Zealand Legislation |access-date=13 March 2021 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219224134/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/166.0/DLM3812421.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ssc.govt.nz/display/document.asp?docid=6081 |title=Summary of review findings of de-merging traffic enforcement from Police |publisher=State Services Commission |date=26 April 2007}} In 2010, after some calls to split traffic enforcement again from standard police duties, it was decided that it would remain part of their duties, partly due to the public having shown "enormous support" for it remaining this way.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10628975 |title=Police remain on traffic duty |date=28 February 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=3 March 2010 |first=David |last=Fisher |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023091242/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10628975 |url-status=live }}

The Police Act 1958 was extensively reviewed starting in 2006, after a two and a half-year consultative process the Policing Act 2008 came into effect on 1 October 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/latest/DLM1564700.html?search=ts_act_policing |title=Policing Act 2008 No 72, Public Act – Commencement |publisher=Parliamentary Counsel Office |access-date=2 October 2008 |archive-date=25 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125151752/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/latest/DLM1564700.html?search=ts_act_policing |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Modernising Police Legislation |url=http://www.policeact.govt.nz/ |website=Police Act Review |publisher=New Zealand Police |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211061951/http://www.policeact.govt.nz/ |archive-date=11 December 2006 |date=2006 |url-status=dead}} The process included the world's first use of a wiki to allow the public to submit or propose amendments. The wiki was open for less than two weeks, but drew international attention.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7015024.stm |title=NZ police let public write laws |work=BBC News |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=4 October 2007 |archive-date=11 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011182545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7015024.stm |url-status=live }}

More recently, the New Zealand Police has been involved in international policing and peacekeeping missions to East Timor and the Solomon Islands, to assist these countries with establishing law and order after civil unrest. It has also been involved in community police training in Bougainville, in conjunction with Australian Federal Police. Other overseas deployments for regional assistance and relief have been to Afghanistan as part of the reconstruction effort, the Kingdom of Tonga, Thailand for the tsunami disaster and Indonesia after terrorist bombings. New Zealand Police maintains an international policing support network in eight foreign capitals, and has about 80 staff deployed in differing international missions.{{cite web |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/service/overseas/faq.html |title=FAQ about New Zealand Police overseas, International Service Group |publisher=New Zealand Police |access-date=9 April 2008 |archive-date=25 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225040318/http://www.police.govt.nz/service/overseas/faq.html |url-status=live }}

In 1936, there was "a proposal to establish a women police branch in New Zealand", and former principal of the women's section of the South Australia Police, Kate Cocks (1875–1954), attended to speak to the member of the government, the commissioner of police, and a gathering of women's societies.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36210762 |title=Women police in N.Z. |newspaper=The Advertiser (Adelaide) |location=South Australia |date=14 January 1936 |access-date=18 December 2021 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010257/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/36210762 |url-status=live }} Cocks was the first of two female officers in December 1915 with the SA Police, until her retirement in 1935, with the largest women's section of all Australian state law enforcement agencies.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Women were first admitted to the police in 1941 but were not issued uniforms.{{Cite web |last=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga |title=First uniformed policewomen, 1952 |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/33861/first-uniformed-policewomen-1952 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-03 |website=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034314/https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/33861/first-uniformed-policewomen-1952 }} One of the first intakes was Edna Pearce, who received the badge number S1 when she was finally issued a uniform in 1952.{{Cite web |last=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga |title=Pearce, Edna Bertha |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5p19/pearce-edna-bertha |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-03 |website=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034314/https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5p19/pearce-edna-bertha }} Pearce made the first arrest by a female police officer in New Zealand. By January 1949, officer R. M. Hadfield did a cross-Tasman interchange, working for two months in Sydney, a month in Melbourne, and Tasmania.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52660835 |title=N.Z. Policewoman on Interchange |newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |volume=CVII |issue=293 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 January 1949 |access-date=18 December 2021 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010321/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52660835 |url-status=live }} At the time, female officers wore only small badges under their coat lapels. 1994 was the last year female officers had a separate uniform to men with the removal of skirts in 1995.{{Cite web |title=Women in Uniform – What we wore |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/75-years-women-police/looking-back/women-in-uniform?page=3 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} In 2020, hijabs were introduced as part of the uniform for Muslim women.{{cite web |date=28 January 2021 |title=Hijab Introduction to New Zealand Police |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-future-of-the-frontline-hijab-introduced-to-police-uniform-first-officer-to-wear-it-proud/G3ZZEE4WW3RNERHENZXBCIKODA/}} Retrieved 21 April 2023

In 2023 on international women's day Director of Recruitment Paula Hill said “As at 31 January this year we had 2,679 full time equivalent constabulary women, this means 25.6% of all constabulary are women – this is the first international women’s day where more than 1 in 4 of the constabulary workforce in New Zealand Police are women."{{Cite web |date=8 March 2023 |title=More women wanted in Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/more-women-wanted-police |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

In 1992 less than 10% of the New Zealand Police were women, but by 2024 38.5% of all New Zealand Police employees were women and 26.1% of all constabulary staff (excluding recruits) were women. This was a 0.5% increase over the previous year (2023) showing a continued improvement of the number of women in constabulary roles.{{cite book |last1=Coney |first1=Sandra |title=Standing in the Sunshine: A History of New Zealand Women Since They Won the Vote |date=1993 |publisher=Penguin Books, Ltd. |location=Auckland, NZ |page=127 |chapter=Women in Blue, The Long Fight for Women Police}}{{Cite web |title=HERstory – the rise of women in Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/herstory-rise-women-police |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

Between the resignation of Andrew Coster on the 11 November 2024 and the appointment of Richard Chambers on the 25 November 2024 the first ever female Commissioner of Police Tania Kura was appointed for an interim term of 14 days.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=First ever female Police Commissioner appointed, on an interim basis |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532187/first-ever-female-police-commissioner-appointed-on-an-interim-basis |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

Early New Years Day 2025 Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming became the first female officer to be killed in the line of duty. Fleming was struck by a vehicle driving at speed in an attack described by the commissioner as "an unprovoked and senseless act".{{Cite web |date=2025-01-02 |title=Man charged with murder over incident that took life of policewoman Lyn Fleming |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360537993/nelson-reeling-after-new-years-incident-led-death-police-officer-and-left-another-officer-seriously |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Stuff }}

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The Police National Headquarters provides policy and planning advice as well as national oversight and management of the organisation. Although headed by a Commissioner, the New Zealand Police is a decentralised organisation divided into 12 districts.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Each district has a geographical area of responsibility and a central station from which subsidiary and suburban stations are managed. As of March 2019, there are 327 police stations around the country{{Cite news |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/contact-us/stations/a2z |title=Find Police stations by A – Z |work=New Zealand Police |access-date=2019-03-29 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825145708/http://www.police.govt.nz/contact-us/stations/a2z |url-status=live }} with nearly 12,000 staff who respond to more than 600,000 emergency 111 calls each year.{{cite web |title=How Police handle 111 calls and what you can do to help in an emergency |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/service/111/call-111-information-brochure.pdf |publisher=New Zealand Police |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-date=24 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424094617/https://www.police.govt.nz/service/111/call-111-information-brochure.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Commissioner is in overall charge of the New Zealand Police. Assisting the Commissioner are two chief officers in the rank of Deputy Commissioner: Deputy Commissioner-Resource Management; and Deputy Commissioner-Operations.{{Cite web | url=https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/assets/DirectoryFile/PD-POLICE-2024-FINAL.pdf | title=Vacancy Commissioner of Police | website=www.publicservice.govt.nz}}

Five chief officers in the rank of Assistant Commissioner and the Director of Intelligence report to the Deputy Commissioner-Operations.{{citation needed |reason=is there a current org chart or other documented strcutrue published? |date=February 2025}} The Assistant Commissioner-Investigations/International is responsible for the National Criminal Investigations Group, the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ), Financial Crime Group, International Services Group and Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat. The Investigations and International Group leads the prevention, investigation, disruption and prosecution of serious and transnational crime. It also leads liaison, overseas deployment and capacity building with international policing partners. The Assistant Commissioner-Operations is responsible for Community Policing, Youth, Communications Centres, Operations Group, Prosecutions and Road Policing. The remaining three Assistant Commissioners command geographical policing areas – Upper North, Lower North and South. Each area is divided into three to five districts.

District Commanders hold the rank of superintendent, as do sworn National Managers, the road policing manager in the Waitemata District, responsible for the motorway network and traffic alcohol group. Area Commanders hold the rank of Inspector as do Shift Commanders based in each of the three Communications Centres. District Section Commanders are typically Senior Sergeants.

The New Zealand Police is a member of Interpol and has close relationships with the Australian police forces, at both the state and federal level. Several New Zealand Police representatives are posted overseas in key New Zealand diplomatic missions.{{Cite web |title=Interpol |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/interpol#:~:text=Interpol%20(International%20Criminal%20Police%20Organisation,arranging%20escorts%20for%20deportations |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Police groups |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/careers/police-groups#:~:text=telephony%20and%20radio.-,International%20Services%20Group,investigative%20support%20and%20crisis%20response. |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

It is acknowledged, by both police and legislation, that important and valuable roles in the performance of the functions of the police are played by: public agencies or bodies (for example, local authorities and state sectors), persons who hold certain statutory offices (for example, Maori Wardens), and parts of the private sector, especially the private security industry.{{Cite web |title=Policing Act 2008 No 72 (as at 28 October 2021), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/latest/whole.html#:~:text=This%20Act%20is%20based%20on,maintaining%20public%20safety: |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.legislation.govt.nz}}{{Cite web |title=Our values {{!}} New Cops {{!}} New Zealand Police Recruiting |url=https://www.newcops.govt.nz/about-the-job/our-values#:~:text=Commitment%20to%20M%C4%81ori%20and%20the,M%C4%81ori%20is%20essential%20to%20success. |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} It is also acknowledged that it is often appropriate, or even necessary, for police to perform some of its functions by working in cooperation with citizens, or other agencies or bodies.{{cite web |title=Section 10 Roles of others acknowledged – Policing Act 2008 |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/85.0/DLM1102188.html |website=New Zealand Legislation |access-date=13 March 2021 |archive-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106225314/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/85.0/DLM1102188.html |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Police prosecutor#New Zealand}}

The New Zealand Police Prosecution Service (PPS) is a branch within police that is responsible for initiating all criminal prosecutions in New Zealand. Police prosecutors may be a sworn members of the police (normally a sergeant) or a civilian lawyer employed as a non-sworn member of the police - however being a practicing lawyer is not a requirement for the role.{{Cite web|url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/police-prosecution-service/join-pps|title=Interested in joining our PPS team?|website=New Zealand Police}} All other common law countries except for Australia have discontinued police prosecutions citing a general lack of independence and objectivity of police prosecutors which is likely to be compromised by close contact with police officers, adherence to police culture, and a desire to maintain positive relationships with fellow police officers and staff.{{Cite journal |title=Under Investigation: A Review of Police Prosecutions in New Zealand's Summary Jurisdiction |journal=Auckland University Law Review |last=Beck |first=Stephanie |date=2006-12-01 |url=https://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/AukULRev/2006/7.html |volume=12 |issue=7}}{{cite act |author=New Zealand Law Commission |title=Criminal Prosecution Discussion Paper |date=1997-03-02 |periodical=Preliminary Paper No 28 |location=Wellington |url=https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/assets/Publications/PreliminaryPapers/NZLC-PP28.pdf |access-date=2025-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109131431/https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/assets/Publications/PreliminaryPapers/NZLC-PP28.pdf |archive-date=2025-01-09}}{{cite act |title=The relationship between prosecutors and investigators |type=Guidelines |date=2025-01-01 |institution=Crown Law Office |at=Wellington |url=https://www.crownlaw.govt.nz/assets/guideline-documents/SGPG_-The-relationship-between-prosecutors-and-investigators.pdf |access-date=2025-02-10}}{{cite journal |last1=McGonigle |first1=Sean |year=1996 |title=Public accountability for police prosecutions |url=https://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/AukULRev/1996/9.pdf |journal=Auckland University Law Review |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=163–183 |access-date=2025-02-10}}

File:No Go!.jpg]]

The New Zealand Police is organised into 12 districts: nine in the North Island and three in the South Island. Each district is subdivided into between two and four areas:{{Cite web |title=Police districts |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-districts |access-date=2021-05-11 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511115727/https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-districts |url-status=live }}

• Northland – based in Whangārei; divided into two areas: Far North (Kerikeri) and Whangarei-Kaipara (Whangārei).
• Waitematā – based in Henderson; divided into three areas: North (Orewa), West (Henderson), and East (Rosedale).
• Auckland City – based in Auckland Central; divided into three areas: West (Avondale), Central (Auckland Central), and East (Mount Wellington).
• Counties-Manukau – based in Manukau; divided into four areas: West (Ōtāhuhu), Central (Manurewa), East (Flat Bush), and South (Papakura).
• Waikato – based in Hamilton; divided into three areas: Hamilton City, Waikato West (Huntly), and Waikato East (Thames).
• Bay of Plenty – based in Rotorua; divided into four areas: Western Bay of Plenty (Tauranga), Eastern Bay of Plenty (Whakatāne), Rotorua, and Taupō.
• Eastern – based in Hastings; divided into two areas: Hawke's Bay (Hastings) and Tairāwhiti (Gisborne).
• Central – based in Palmerston North; divided into three areas: Taranaki (New Plymouth), Whanganui, and Manawatū (Palmerston North).
• Wellington – based in Wellington; divided into four areas: Wellington City, Kapiti-Mana (Porirua), Hutt Valley (Lower Hutt), and Wairarapa (Masterton).
• Tasman – based in Nelson; divided into three areas: Nelson Bays (Nelson), Marlborough (Blenheim), and West Coast (Greymouth).
• Canterbury – based in Christchurch; divided into three areas: Christchurch Metro, Canterbury Rural (Rangiora) and Aoraki (Timaru).
• Southern – based in Dunedin; divided into three areas: Otago Coastal (Dunedin), Otago Lakes-Central (Queenstown), and Southland (Invercargill).

New Zealand Police operate five communications centres that are responsible for receiving 111 emergency calls, 105 non-emergency calls, *555 traffic calls and general calls for service and dispatching the relevant response. The centres include:

• Northern Communications Centre, based in Auckland is responsible for the northern half of the North Island, down to Hicks Bay, Desert Road south of Turangi, and Awakino
• Central Communications Centre, based in Wellington is responsible for the southern half of the North Island, from Mokau, Taumarunui, the Desert Road north of Waiouru, and Te Araroa in the north
• Digital Services Centre, based in Kāpiti is responsible for non-emergency communication such as the 105 non-emergency line{{Cite web |last=Haxton |first=David |date=28 November 2018 |title=Police Digital Services Centre opens in Kāpiti |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kapiti-news/news/police-digital-services-centre-opens-in-kapiti/CFYNTKFGRYNIA2URDONPDUNGRA/ |website=The New Zealand Herald }}
• Southern Communications Centre, based in the Christchurch Central Police Station, responsible for the South Island.{{Cite web |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/communications-centres |title=Communications Centres |access-date=25 April 2014 }}

File:NZ Police Dog.jpg

A police employee becomes a Constable by swearing the oath under section 22 of the New Zealand Policing Act 2008. Upon doing so the Constable receives certain statutory powers and responsibilities, including the power of arrest. A recently graduated constable is considered a Probationary constable for up to two years, until they have passed 10 workplace assessment standards. The completion of the above is known as obtaining permanent appointment.{{Cite web |title=Policing Act 2008 No 72 (as at 28 October 2021), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2008/0072/latest/whole.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.legislation.govt.nz}}{{Cite web |title=Police Instructions Policy.pdf |url=https://fyi.org.nz/request/19200/response/74199/attach/html/3/Police%20Instructions%20Policy.pdf.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=fyi.org.nz}}

After a Constable obtains their permanent appointment, they can move away from being a General Duties Constable which generally involves being in the Public Safety Team or Community Beat Team.{{Cite web |title=Career Pathways {{!}} New Cops {{!}} New Zealand Police Recruiting |url=https://www.newcops.govt.nz/about-the-job/career-pathways/1235 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} After five years a Constable can apply for more specialist roles such as CIB, Dog Handler, Sergeant, etc.{{Cite web |title=Police Dog Section |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/dog-section#:~:text=All%20police%20dog%20handlers%20are,they%20join%20the%20Dog%20Unit. |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Role of the Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/school-portal/resources/living-safe-community/role-police |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

The rank of Senior Constable is granted to Constables after 14 years of service and the Commissioner of Police is satisfied with their conduct. Senior Constables are well regarded within the New Zealand Police for their extensive policing experience, and are often used to train and mentor other police officers.{{Cite web |title=What's in a rank? |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/whats-rank#:~:text=Constables%20make%20up%2075%20percent,follow%20a%20more%20specialised%20pathway. |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

Detective ranks somewhat parallel the street ranks up to Detective Superintendent.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=New Zealand's top police detective Tom Fitzgerald quits |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476679/new-zealand-s-top-police-detective-tom-fitzgerald-quits |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} Trainee detectives spend a minimum of six months as a Constable on Trial after completing an intensive selection and induction course. During these initial six months they are required to pass four module based exams before progression to Detective Constable.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQw7SOQw6bo |title=New Zealand Police Vlog 24: Rolling with the Detectives! |date=2019-05-18 |last=New Zealand Police |access-date=2025-04-07 |via=YouTube}} They are then required to continue studying with another six exam based modules as well as a number of workplace assessments. Once the Detective Constable has completed all of this they are then required to sit a pre-requisite exam based on all of the exam based modules they have previously sat. If they are successful in passing this they attend the Royal New Zealand Police College where they complete their training with the Detective Qualification course before receiving the final designation of Detective. All of these requirements are expected to be completed within two to three years.{{Cite web |title=Career Pathways {{!}} New Cops {{!}} New Zealand Police Recruiting |url=https://www.newcops.govt.nz/about-the-job/career-pathways/1237#:~:text=Detective&text=You'll%20train%20to%20undertake,offending,%20drug%20offences%20and%20more. |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

Detective and Detective Constable are considered designations and not specific ranks. That is, Detectives do not outrank uniformed constables. Nevertheless, a police officer with a detective designation will generally assume control of a serious crime scene rather than a uniform staff member regardless of rank.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Sergeant and Senior Sergeant are the only two non-commissioned officer ranks. Unlike with commissioned officers, to promote to the rank of a Sergeant, Constables must have a good understanding of general policing and pass the Core Policing Knowledge examination, but do not need to be commissioned by the Governor-General.

Officers of Inspector rank and higher are commissioned by the Governor-General, but are still promoted from the ranks of non-commissioned officers usually Senior Sergeants. The promotion to a commissioned officer often comes with additional reasonability in Area or District Command Centers or Police National Headquarters (PHNQ).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} Only 5% of officers are commissioned.

Authorised officers are non-sworn staff who do not have the power of arrest.{{cite news |title=Police seek casual staff to work as jailers in custody units |first=Harrison |last=Christian |date=17 June 2019 |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/113537339/police-seek-casual-staff-to-work-as-jailers-in-custody-units |newspaper=Stuff |access-date=14 June 2023}} They work as jailers, guards, transport enforcement officers and specialist crime investigators, such as electronic crime investigators and forensic accountants. They wear black uniforms, rather than the blue uniforms of sworn officers.{{cite news |title=Police Association boss and Opposition accuse Government of 'misleading' claims over its 1800 new 'frontline' police |first=Ethan |last=Griffiths |date=14 June 2023 |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-association-boss-and-opposition-accuse-government-of-misleading-claims-over-its-1800-new-frontline-police/HSP5PU66HJGQ7N7F4Q6L3JZ6FQ/ |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 June 2023}} The number of authorised officers increased following the recommendation of a 2012 review of the police that they be used to take some of the workload from sworn officers.

File:XR climate protest ECan 078 (cropped).jpg

New Zealand police uniforms formerly followed the British model closely but, since the 1970s, a number of changes have been implemented. These include the adoption of a medium blue shade in place of dark blue, the abolition of custodian helmets and the substitution of synthetic leather jackets for silver buttoned tunics when on ordinary duty. The normal headdress is a peaked cap with blue and white Sillitoe tartan band and silver badge. Baseball caps and Akubra wide-brimmed hats are authorised for particular duties or climatic conditions.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} Stab resistant and high visibility vests are normally worn on duty. The body vests are also marked with Sillitoe tartan markings.{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Charlotte |date=2019-01-31 |title=All police officers to receive new stab- and bullet-proof vests in $20 million roll-out |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/110275273/all-police-officers-to-receive-new-stab-and-bulletproof-vests-in-20-million-rollout |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

AOS and STG members, when deployed, wear the usual charcoal-coloured clothing used by armed-response and counter-terror units around the world. In 2008, a survey found strong staff support for the re-introduction of the white custodian helmets worn until 1995, to reinforce the police's professional image.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10490672 |title=Police beanies get OK, helmets must wait |author=McNaughton, Maggie |date=5 February 2008 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=30 October 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025165140/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10490672 |url-status=live }}

Police officers communicate with each other via Apple iPhones. According to Vodafone New Zealand (now One NZ) the adaption of smart phones into police equipment was expected to save each officer 30 minutes of productivity per shift equating to a gain of 520,000 hours per year of productivity.{{Cite web |title=Vodafone to Mobilise New Zealand Police with Smart Tech |url=https://www.vodafone.com/news/digital-society/nz_police |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Vodafone.com}}

For shorter, fast communication, front-line police officers also use two-way radios. Police currently use the Tait P25 for two-way radio communication.{{Cite web |last=Communications |first=Dove |date=2024-06-04 |title=Understanding Tait Radios: Features and Benefits |url=https://www.dovecom.co.nz/tait-radios-features-and-benefits/#:~:text=The%20New%20Zealand%20Police%20depend,level%20of%20security%20and%20reliability. |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Dove Communications |language=en-NZ}} In 2009 New Zealand Police began moving from using analogue two-way radios to trialling digital encrypted two-way radios in the Wellington region.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tenone.police.govt.nz/tenone/July09Digital.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430032227/http://www.tenone.police.govt.nz/tenone/July09Digital.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-04-30 |title=July09Digital |date=2016-04-30 |access-date=2018-05-29}} The trial was perceived as having been successful and New Zealand Police planned to roll out digital encrypted two-way radios to all regions. However, this did not progressed as planned and the roll out to areas outside of main centres only began in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title='Deteriorating' emergency services radio networks get a revamp |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526429/deteriorating-emergency-services-radio-networks-get-a-revamp |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=New radio network for first responders |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-radio-network-first-responders |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz}}

The New Zealand Police use a wide variety of radio codes for quick communication between officers and other police staff such as district command centres or communication centres. Police use their own adaption of 10-codes used as status codes, k-codes used as result codes, four-number codes used as event description codes and a number-letter codes used as incident codes.{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=Blow on the Pie |title=NATIONAL RADIO CODES / POLICE {{!}} BlowonthePie - For New Zealand Scanner Codes and more |url=https://blowonthepie.co.nz/emergency-codes/national-radio-codes-police/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Police Radio Codes Combined - RadioWiki |url=https://www.radiowiki.org.nz/index.php/Police_Radio_Codes_Combined |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=www.radiowiki.org.nz}}

In 2012, the police began using drones also known as unmanned aerial vehicles. By 2013, drones had been used only twice; in one case a drone was used in a criminal investigation and led to charges being laid in court. Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff said "organisations using drones needed good privacy policies – or possibly a warrant".{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868674 |title=Police use drones to catch criminals |date=March 2013 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301220527/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868674 |url-status=live }}

File:New Zealand Police Bell 429.jpg]]

The Air Support Unit, commonly known as its callsign Eagle, is based in Auckland at Auckland Heliport, Pikes Point, Onehunga and operates three Bell 429 GlobalRanger helicopters.{{cite web |title=Air support 'Eagle' unit |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/air-support-eagle-unit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212053035/https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/air-support-eagle-unit |archive-date=12 February 2021 |access-date=13 March 2021 |website=New Zealand Police}}{{cite press release |title=New contract awarded for supplier of Police Eagle helicopters |date=21 December 2018 |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-contract-awarded-supplier-police-eagle-helicopters |access-date=13 March 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234817/https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-contract-awarded-supplier-police-eagle-helicopters |archive-date=11 November 2020 |website=New Zealand Police}} Starting operation in 1988 the Eagle helicopters generally operate with a crew of three, one civilian pilot and two sworn officers who act as Tactical Flight Operators. The two Tactical Flight Operators, use a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera, with night-vision equipment, a night-sun spotlight and gyro-stabilised binoculars, to support ground staff during operations and incidents. Police say the vantage point in the sky allows the Tactical Flight Operators to coordinate ground units to best deal with the operation or incident. Since October 2017 the Eagle helicopter has been operating a 24/7 service equating to 3,300 flight hours annually.{{Cite web |title=Air support 'Eagle' unit |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/air-support-eagle-unit |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=2022-11-27 |title=Auckland's Eagle helicopter is a fixture of the city's skies. This is who is getting buzzed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/explained/130507089/aucklands-eagle-helicopter-is-a-fixture-of-the-citys-skies-this-is-who-is-getting-buzzed |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Stuff }} In February 2020, an Eagle helicopter was based in Christchurch at Christchurch Airport for a five-week trial that was eventually cancelled due to budgetary constraints.{{cite press release |title=Canterbury trial comes to an end |date=20 March 2020 |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/eagle-support-ground |access-date=13 March 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313190307/https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/eagle-support-ground |archive-date=13 March 2021 |website=New Zealand Police}}{{cite news |last1=Guildford |first1=Jonathan |date=17 February 2020 |title=New Eagle police helicopter to be trialled in Christchurch |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/119565546/new-eagle-police-helicopter-to-be-trialled-in-christchurch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916092207/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/119565546/new-eagle-police-helicopter-to-be-trialled-in-christchurch |archive-date=16 September 2020 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Stuff}}{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=Sam |date=2024-12-15 |title=The Eagle has landed? National considering bringing police helicopter to Christchurch |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/election-2023-national-considering-bringing-eagle-helicopter-to-christchurch/M7IPNCWGUBGV3N466FC5IMX52I/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} Despite the permanent Eagle operation being cancelled, the Eagle helicopter often travels to Christchurch and Wellington for major operations such as the 2022 Wellington Anti Mandate Protest.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Kate |date=2022-03-04 |title=Helicopter above Wellington aiding police to monitor protesters in the capital |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/127965899/helicopter-above-wellington-aiding-police-to-monitor-protesters-in-the-capital |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Stuff }}

File:Auckland Police Launch - Deodar 3.jpg Deodar III, based in Auckland]]

File:Police Patrol Boat 2 (31735193286).jpg

The New Zealand Police operates two Maritime Units, the Deodar III in Auckland commissioned in 2007 and its sister the Lady Elizabeth IV in Wellington commissioned in 2010. Both Maritime Units are supported by various smaller vessels, including 12 meter high speed RHIBs.{{Cite web |title=POLICE 1, 2 & 3 |url=https://q-west.com/boats/police-1-2-3/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Q-West Boat Builders |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Three police boats up for sale after final outing during the America's Cup |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124584774/three-police-boats-up-for-sale-after-final-outing-during-the-americas-cup |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}} Equipped with both medical bays and prisoner transport areas the two main vessels are used for a variety of purposes from attending crime scenes and apprehending offenders to search and rescue, medical emergencies, supporting public events, promoting water safety and facilitating training.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Times |date=2024-09-26 |title=Next generation Deodar ordered by police |url=https://www.times.co.nz/news/next-generation-deodar-ordered-by-police/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Times |language=en-NZ}} Being able to operate past their harbour or gulf bounds the two main vessels are often used for operations, with the Lady Elizabeth IV sometimes traveling to Christchurch, New Plymouth or along the coast when required.{{cite web |title=Maritime Units |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/maritime-units |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127053450/http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/maritime-units |archive-date=27 January 2016 |access-date=15 January 2016 |publisher=New Zealand Police}}{{Cite web |date=2015-02-19 |title=Wharf police |url=https://wellington.govt.nz/wellington-city/about-wellington-city/history/history-of-wellington-waterfront/waterfront-stories/wharf-police |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Wellington City Council |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Times |date=2024-09-26 |title=Next generation Deodar ordered by police |url=https://www.times.co.nz/news/next-generation-deodar-ordered-by-police/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Times |language=en-NZ}}

Some vessels are used by the New Zealand Police, but are not within the Auckland or Wellington Maritime Units. These vessels such as the Waikato's 'Ranger' are often smaller and used in areas with no other emergency response on the body of water.{{Cite web |last=Lines-MacKenzie |first=Jo |date=2025-04-28 |title=New Waikato Police boat launched ahead of busy summer season |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130812966/new-waikato-police-boat-launched-ahead-of-busy-summer-season |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

The current iteration of Maritime Units is designed to survive a roll over. This change came after the 1986 tragedy of the Lady Elizabeth II which after 13 years of operation capsized killing two police officers, Constable Glenn Hughes and Senior Sergeant Phil Ward.{{Cite web |last=Shadwell |first=Talia |date=2016-07-02 |title=Remembering two Wellington police officers lost the day the Lady Elizabeth II capsized |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/81688863/remembering-two-wellington-police-officers-lost-the-day-the-lady-elizabeth-ii-capsized |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Stuff }}

The New Zealand Police has around 3500 road vehicles in its fleet with around 2200 of those vehicles being liveried frontline vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-15 |title=NZ police approve Škoda Superb iV PHEV for operational testi |url=https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/nz-police-approve-%C5%A1koda-superb-iv-phev-for-operational-testing/#:~:text=This%20trial%20is%20one%20facet,be%20released%20in%20New%20Zealand. |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Driven Car Guide |language=en-nz}} The Skoda Superb Station Wagon is the current generic frontline road vehicle of choice for the New Zealand Police slowly replacing the Holden Commodore.{{Cite web |title=Škoda to supply new Police cars |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/%C5%A1koda-supply-new-police-cars |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{cite news |author=George Block |date=2020-11-25 |title=NZ police select Skoda to supply new cop cars as Holden rolls into sunset |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300167005/nz-police-select-skoda-to-supply-new-cop-cars-as-holden-rolls-into-sunset |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124222942/https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300167005/nz-police-select-skoda-to-supply-new-cop-cars-as-holden-rolls-into-sunset |archive-date=24 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020 |publisher=Stuff }} Police use both the 162kW and 206kW models of the Skoda Superb with the police versions having a full-size spare instead of a space saver and cloth upholstery instead of leather.{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Matthew |date=2021-04-13 |title=Up close and personal with the new Skoda NZ Police car |url=https://www.autocar.co.nz/up-close-and-personal-with-the-new-skoda-nz-police-car/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=NZ Autocar |language=en}}

Police also use a wide variety of Utes (pickup trucks), motorbikes, SUV's, trucks, and vans in various work groups across police. Utes and SUV's are most commonly used in rural areas, but these vehicle are also used in urban areas.{{cite news |author=Lana Andelane |date=2020-11-25 |title=New Zealand Police select Škoda for new frontline patrol cars |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/11/new-zealand-police-select-koda-for-new-frontline-patrol-cars.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202171509/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/11/new-zealand-police-select-koda-for-new-frontline-patrol-cars.html |archive-date=2 December 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020 |publisher=Newshub}} Trucks and vans are often used as Team Policing Units, Command Centres, Mobile Police Stations and Mobile Road Safety Base (previously booze bus).{{Cite web |title=Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/aos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010225/https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/police-teams-and-units/armed-offenders-squads |archive-date=15 October 2022 |access-date=27 March 2016}}{{Cite web |date=13 December 2018 |title=Police booze bus rebranded but mission remains the same |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/109298610/police-booze-bus-rebranded-but-mission-remains-the-same |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Stuff }} The Armed Offenders Squad has its own fleet of, unmarked Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with bull bars and some with ballistic protection.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-09 |title=Police get new armoured vehicles for high-risk incidents |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405118/police-get-new-armoured-vehicles-for-high-risk-incidents |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

File:NZP Superb 111-105.jpg highlighting 111-105 information]]

Liveried vehicles are known as Marked or Uniform and are most commonly white, but can be other standard factory colours with a chequered Battenburg markings yellow-blue livery. Liveried vehicles make up the majority of the New Zealand Police fleet.{{Cite web |title=Police Vehicles |url=https://wadegroupltd.com/police-trucks-and-vehicles/ |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=Wade |language=en}} In 2021 the New Zealand Police removed the iconic "Safer Communities Together" slogan from the side of their new vehicles instead using that area to promote the use of the 111 emergency and 105 non-emergency telephone numbers.{{Cite web |title=Police's new patrol car hits the road |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/polices-new-patrol-car-hits-road |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} Police also use a wide variety of vehicles without liveries with hidden emergency lights in standard factory colours, commonly known as unmarked or covert vehicles.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2020 |title=Unmarked vehicles to help put the brakes on risky driving |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/unmarked-vehicles-help-put-brakes-risky-driving |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

The Highway Patrol and Motorway Patrol divisions mainly use the Skoda Superb slowly replacing the Holden Commodore LT variant along with the VF Commodore SV6 and Evoke.{{Cite web |title=Fully electric BMW i4 joins NZ Police fleet as part of $1.7m trial |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/132218344/fully-electric-bmw-i4-joins-nz-police-fleet-as-part-of-17m-trial |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Stuff }} Highway Patrol and Motorway Patrol use the all-wheel drive 206kW model of the Skoda Superb which looks almost identical to other frontline liveried Skoda Superb. The main visual difference between generic frontline vehicles and Highway Patrol and Motorway Patrol vehicles is the livery which has special markings stating Highway Patrol or Motorway Patrol on the sides, back and front.{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Matthew |date=2022-08-03 |title=NZ Police thrilled with Skoda Superb fleet |url=https://autotalk.co.nz/nz-police-thrilled-with-skoda-superb-fleet/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Autotalk |language=en-US}}

File:NZ Police Dog in Vehicle.jpg

Dog Section handlers use specially modified Skoda Superbs or Ford Rangers replacing specially modified Holden Commadore Utes, Holden Equinoxes or Holden Colorado's.{{Cite web |title=Police dogs get new Škoda vehicles to meet the demands of the job |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-dogs-get-new-%C5%A1koda-vehicles-meet-demands-job |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Police unveil new fit-for-purpose dog units and ute for Chatham Islands |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-unveil-new-fit-purpose-dog-units-and-ute-chatham-islands |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} Dog Section vehicles may be liveried or unmarked, the livery on marked Dog Section vehicles is the same yellow-blue Battenburg markings as other frontline police vehicles but have special markings that state Dog Unit on the sides, back and front.{{Cite web |title=Dog handlers |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/dog-section |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326212606/http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/dog-section |archive-date=26 March 2016 |access-date=27 March 2016}} Dog Section vehicles are equipped with air-conditioned cages in the rear and remotely operated canopy doors to allow the handler to release their dog if away from the vehicle.{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/dog-section |title=Police Dog Section {{!}} New Zealand Police |website=www.police.govt.nz |access-date=1 April 2016 |archive-date=26 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326212606/http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/dog-section |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Police dogs get new Škoda vehicles to meet the demands of the job |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-dogs-get-new-%C5%A1koda-vehicles-meet-demands-job |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}

The New Zealand Police don't outfit their own vehicles, instead they use Wade Group, a New Zealand vehicle outfitting company. Wade Group was founded in 1988, but didn't start outfitting police vehicles until 2015.{{Cite web |last=Nyika |first=Ruby |date=2019-07-05 |title=The family business that transforms the country's cop cars |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/113991197/the-family-business-that-transforms-the-countrys-cop-cars |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Stuff }} During outfitting police vehicles are given a livery, emergency lights and sirens, radio communication, gun safes and speed detection equipment.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-11 |title=The people who made the inside of police cars |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018959412/the-people-who-made-the-inside-of-police-cars |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} The emergency lights and sirens are controlled by Wade Group's own control panel.{{Cite web |title=E-Tech |url=https://wadegroupltd.com/e-tech/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Wade |language=en}} Since starting to outfit police vehicles in 2015, by 2024 Wade Group had outfitted over 5000 vehicles.{{Cite web |title=Police Vehicles |url=https://wadegroupltd.com/police-trucks-and-vehicles/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Wade |language=en}}

File:NZ Christchurch Highway Patrol EV BMW i4.jpg

According to then Commissioner of Police Andrew Coster, "The New Zealand Police is committed to being a sustainable organisation". As such police use both fully electric vehicles (EV) and Plug in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV).{{Cite web |title=A frontline hybrid |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/frontline-hybrid |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Police green-lights trial of new front line electric vehicle (EV) |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-green-lights-trial-new-front-line-electric-vehicle-ev |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} In March 2022 a road trial for PHEVs was launched, Fleet Service Group Manager Brian Yanko says, “It’s expected that the Škoda PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will be suited to frontline duties in an environment allowing for downtime where it can recharge, a process which takes around seven-hours from a standard 240-volt wall outlet”. The trail was found to be a success as more PHEVs have been purchased and used around the country.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-25 |title=Police tread lightly in new hybrid vehicles |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealand-police-reducing-the-size-of-its-footprint-trials-hybrid-cars/RLSABCEWCEY7YS4QJ5HZJ4CEMA/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} In June 2023 police began road trials of five fully electric BMW i4s used by Highway Patrol. The trail was not to test the capability of the BMW i4 in the police fleet, instead to test the capability of electric vehicles within police.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-18 |title=A different kind of charge: Police reveal new BMW EV patrol car |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/watch-live-polices-new-electric-vehicle-hits-the-streets/FPZHM4ODARDV7DQW66IHA64IYM/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

{{Update|section|date=August 2024|reason=Holden Commodore Evoke, Holden Commodore SV6, Volkswagen Crafter photos need updating.

Holden Colorado needs to be replaced with the Ford Ranger.

BMW R1200RT needs to be replaced with the Yamaha MT09TRAP.}}

File:NZP Skoda Superb outside district court Cropped.jpg|Skoda Superb

File:2015 Holden Commodore VF EVOKE V6 (25258348763) (2).jpg|Holden Commodore Evoke

File:2x 2014 Holden Commodore's NZ Police (2).jpg|Holden Commodore SV6 (Highway Patrol)

File:ZB Sedan.jpg|Holden Commodore ZB

File:Police Truck (31625664132).jpg|Holden Colorado

File:Toyota Camry New Zealand Police.png|Toyota Camry

File:New Zealand Police Volkswagen Crafter (cropped).jpg|Volkswagen Crafter

File:Auckland pride parade 2016 3 07 (cropped).jpg|BMW R1200RT motorcycle

• Hyundai Ioniq 2022–Present
• Mitsubishi Triton 2022–Present
• Volkswagen Amarok 2024–Present
• Ford Ranger 2024–Present
• BMW i4 2023–Present
• Skoda Superb 2021–Present
• Skoda Kodiaq 2021–Present
• Holden Equinox 2020–Present
• Holden Acadia 2019–Present
• Toyota Landcruiser 2001–Present
• Toyota Highlander 2004–Present
• Toyota Hilux 2015–Present
• Holden Cruze 2014–Present
• Holden Captiva 2009–Present
• Holden Colorado 2006–Present
• Toyota Camry 2006–Present
• Holden Commodore 1980–Present
• Mercedes Sprinter 2015–Present
• Volkswagen Crafter 2008–Present

• Humber Super Snipe 1938–1960
• Vauxhall Velox 1950–1962
• Ford Zephyr 1954–1967
• Holden Standard/Special 1958–1968
• Vauxhall Velox PB 1962–1965
• Ford Falcon 1962–2000
• Holden Kingswood 1968–1982
• Vauxhall 3.5 Cresta 1969
• Holden Belmont 1969–1987
• Leyland P76 1976–1978
• Ford Sierra 1984–1988
• Mitsubishi V3000 1986–1989
• Nissan Patrol 2005–2013

• Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, Yamaha FJR1300AP 2021–Present{{Cite web |title=New motorcycles lighten the load |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/new-motorcycles-lighten-load |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}
• BMW R1150, BMW R1200 2000–current
• Honda ST1300 2014–Present{{Cite web |title=New Police motorcycles launched (+photos) |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-police-motorcycles-launched-photos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105614/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-police-motorcycles-launched-photos |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=27 March 2015}}

• BSA 650 Police Special 1969–1971
• Triumph Trophy 650 1970s
• Norton Commando 750 1970s
• Various Japanese and European motorcycles including Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW 1979–2000

New Zealand Police officers carry OC spray (pepper spray), batons and tasers (stun guns). The only officers who routinely carry firearms are members of the Dignitary Protection Squad, and international airport units.{{cite web |title=Use of Firearms by Police |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/3376 |website=New Zealand Police |publisher=27 September 2007 |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308185444/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/3376 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Easy police access to firearms |date=29 September 2007 |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/36854/Easy-police-access-to-firearms |work=The Press |access-date=29 August 2014 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903101453/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/36854/Easy-police-access-to-firearms |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Your rights with Police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/new-arrivals/english/rights |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} All officers are trained to use Glock 17 pistols and Bushmaster XM15 M4A3 Patrolman AR-15 type, semi-automatic rifles{{cite news |last1=MacManus |first1=Joel |title=Police officers in every part of New Zealand will continue to carry guns |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111528797/police-officers-in-every-part-of-new-zealand-will-continue-to-carry-guns |access-date=1 April 2021 |work=Stuff |date=25 March 2019 |quote=Under normal circumstances, police in New Zealand carry pepper spray, batons, and Tasers, though all are trained with the Glock and Bushmaster. |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108010818/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111528797/police-officers-in-every-part-of-new-zealand-will-continue-to-carry-guns |url-status=live }} and wear a holster attachment in case they do need a pistol.{{cite press release |title=Replacement due for police rifles |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/1923 |website=New Zealand Police |date=19 May 2005 |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308212537/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/1923 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Ready to respond – in greater safety |magazine=Ten One Magazine |date=10 August 2017 |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/ready-respond-%E2%80%93-greater-safety |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=New Zealand Police |archive-date=22 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122134724/https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/ready-respond-%E2%80%93-greater-safety |url-status=live }} Since 2012, frontline vehicles have had a locked box in the passenger foot-well containing two loaded and holstered Glock 17s and, in the rear of the vehicle, a locked case with two Bushmaster rifles and ballistic vests.{{cite web |title=Locked and Loaded |url=http://www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/publications/featured-articles/locked-and-loaded |website=New Zealand Police Association |publisher=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209055243/http://www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/publications/featured-articles/locked-and-loaded |archive-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite journal |last1=Plowman |first1=Steve |date=October 2011 |title=Complex issues at heart of greater access and availability of firearms and Tasers |url=http://policeassn.org.nz/system/files/file/PoliceNewsOct%2011.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Police News the Voice of Police |publisher=New Zealand Police Association |volume=44 |issue=9 |pages=244–247 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208111501/http://policeassn.org.nz/system/files/file/PoliceNewsOct%2011.pdf |archive-date=8 February 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Shortt |first1=Dr Richard |title=NZ's police have been 'routinely armed' for nearly two decades |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/121792553/nzs-police-have-been-routinely-armed-for-nearly-two-decades |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=Stuff |date=11 June 2020 |archive-date=24 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124120541/https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/121792553/nzs-police-have-been-routinely-armed-for-nearly-two-decades |url-status=live }} Vehicles are fitted with alarms in case windows are broken. Each officer carries vehicle keys and safe keys.

The Police Association claims the carrying of handguns is inevitable. In January 2013, a Waikato officer was attacked by at least five men after he deployed his OC spray and Taser. His radio was taken from him and his pistol was 'misplaced' during the attack. The Police Association's request for routine carrying of firearms for all officers after this incident was dismissed by the Police Commissioner.{{cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Police-reject-calls-for-guns-after-attack/tabid/1607/articleID/282895/Default.aspx |work=3 News NZ |title=Police reject calls for guns after attack |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-date=27 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127221757/http://www.3news.co.nz/Police-reject-calls-for-guns-after-attack/tabid/1607/articleID/282895/Default.aspx |url-status=live }} The current firearm training and issuing policy has been criticised. Not all police officers receive regular firearm training and not all vehicles contain a firearm. In October 2015, unarmed officers at a routine police checkpoint at Te Atatū South who pursued a vehicle that sped off from the checkpoint were shot at from the offender's vehicle.{{cite press release |title=Police officers shot at multiple times in West Auckland overnight |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-officers-shot-multiple-times-west-auckland-overnight |website=New Zealand Police |date=2 October 2015 |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308174345/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-officers-shot-multiple-times-west-auckland-overnight |url-status=live }} In December 2015, the Police Association referred to the incident while requesting that all frontline officers receive firearm training and that their vehicles contain a secured firearm. This was rejected.{{cite news |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/292801/call-to-ensure-guns-on-hand-in-patrol-cars |title=Call to ensure guns on hand in patrol cars |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=23 December 2015 |access-date=1 January 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090307/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/292801/call-to-ensure-guns-on-hand-in-patrol-cars |url-status=live }}

In July 2015, the Police Commissioner announced that Tasers would be routinely carried by police officers.{{cite press release |title=Commissioner announces routine carriage of Taser by first response staff |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/commissioner-announces-routine-carriage-taser-first-response-staff |website=New Zealand Police |date=31 July 2015 |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308163917/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/commissioner-announces-routine-carriage-taser-first-response-staff |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Taser decision good for public and police safety |url=http://www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/publications/media-releases/taser-decision-good-public-and-police-safety |website=New Zealand Police Association |date=31 July 2015 |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308161702/http://www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/publications/media-releases/taser-decision-good-public-and-police-safety |url-status=live }} Tasers were first trialled in 2006 and in 2010 were rolled out throughout New Zealand with all frontline vehicles containing an X26 or X2 Taser in a locked box. As of February 2024 police have begun rolling out the new Taser 10 weapon system across the country to replace the outdated Taser X2.{{cite news |title=Police hail stun-gun trial a success |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-hail-stun-gun-trial-a-success/KQ5V6TZZTO3WQDR3YXJQQUPT4A/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 August 2007 |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608115253/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-hail-stun-gun-trial-a-success/KQ5V6TZZTO3WQDR3YXJQQUPT4A/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10400730 |title=Police right to use Taser on drinking nephew, says aunt |last=Cleave |first=Louisa |date=11 September 2006 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020101104/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10400730 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10529437 |title=Broad confirms Taser introduction |last=Gower |first=Patrick |date=28 August 2008 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=30 August 2008}}{{cite magazine |title=Taser rollout begins |url=http://www.tenone.police.govt.nz/tenone/Feb10Taser.htm |magazine=Ten One Magazine |publisher=New Zealand Police |date=February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524221417/http://www.tenone.police.govt.nz/tenone/Feb10Taser.htm |archive-date=24 May 2010 |url-status=dead}} In 2012, figures showed that a 'disproportionate number of people' targeted by police Tasers were mental health patients.{{cite news |last1=Kidd |first1=Rob |title=Mental health Taser shock |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/8146819/Mental-health-Taser-shock |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=Stuff |date=6 January 2013 |archive-date=6 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206113716/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/8146819/Mental-health-Taser-shock |url-status=live }}

Police officers receive regular Police Integrated Tactical Training (PITT) with different levels of training, depending upon an officer's role and responsibilities.{{cite press release |title=Further enhancements to Police Integrated Tactical Training |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/further-enhancements-police-integrated-tactical-training |website=New Zealand Police |date=17 February 2014 |access-date=8 March 2016}} In 2017, a training model was introduced, and the number of officers trained as so-called 'Level 1 responders' increased to 79%. Level 1 includes training with pistols, rifles, tasers, defensive tactics, handcuffs, OC spray and batons. In 2019, Level 1 responder live-fire training and simunitions training increased by 50%.{{cite magazine |title=Extra equipment for frontline police |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/extra-equipment-frontline-police |magazine=Ten One Magazine |publisher=New Zealand Police |date=7 June 2019 |access-date=14 March 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518020628/https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/extra-equipment-frontline-police |url-status=live }} Police annually release a report of their use of force including OC spray, Tasers and firearms.{{cite web |title=Tactical Options Research Reports |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/tactical-options-research-reports |website=New Zealand Police |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010228/https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/tactical-options-research-reports |url-status=live }}

Starting on 28 October 2019 the Armed Response Team (ART) was a trial ran by the New Zealand Police, similar to the UK Armed Response Vehicle model of 'routinely armed' officers on the streets ready to support the frontline.{{Cite web |last=Neilson |first=Michael |date=2019-02-27 |title='Severe' consequence of not consulting Māori on armed response trials, police warned |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/armed-response-teams-trial-police-warned-not-consulting-maori-could-have-severe-consequence/WG627E4466EFXNDOTVXRK2UWTA/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |last=Weekes |first=John |date=2021-09-22 |title=In style and substance, police make clear break with past |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/police-armed-training-move-a-clear-break-with-past-repudiation-of-armed-response-team-style/63EEBB2ITF2Y2ONCWU5DWB7WE4/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=Police to pilot Armed Response Teams |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-pilot-armed-response-teams |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} Then Commissioner of police Mike Bush cited the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Attack and a rise in organised crime as reasons for the trial.{{Cite web |last=Weekes |first=John |date=2020-09-04 |title=Police Armed Response Teams dumped because they 'created fear', documents show |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300094225/police-armed-response-teams-dumped-because-they-created-fear-documents-show |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Stuff }} The ART vehicles were often crewed by four Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) officers who dealt with high risk situations.{{Cite web |last=Bond |first=Jordon |date=2020-03-04 |title=Armed Response Teams used 75 times a day at start of trial |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410881/armed-response-teams-used-75-times-a-day-at-start-of-trial |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} The staff were descripted by police as well trained and well equipped.{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=Sam |date=2020-06-09 |title=Police Commissioner rules out bringing back Armed Response Teams |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/121769671/police-commissioner-rules-out-bringing-back-armed-response-teams |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Stuff }} During the trial the ARTs were involved in over 8000 events with around 200 of these being firearm events, no ART member ever fired their gun.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-09 |title=Police ending Armed Response Teams after trial - Commissioner |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/418593/police-ending-armed-response-teams-after-trial-commissioner |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

The trial ended on 26 April 2020 and on 9 June 2020, when then Commissioner of police Andrew Coster announced that the police would be scrapping their armed response teams after public feedback and consultation with the Māori and Pasifika communities.{{cite news |last1=Sherwood |first1=Sam |last2=Devlin |first2=Collete |title=Police Commissioner rules out bringing back Armed Response Teams |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/121769671/police-commissioner-rules-out-bringing-back-armed-response-teams |access-date=9 June 2020 |work=Stuff |date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610000000/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/121769671/police-commissioner-rules-out-bringing-back-armed-response-teams |archive-date=10 June 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Armed Response Team trial |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/programmes-and-initiatives/armed-response-team-trial |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}} Public discussion around the armed response teams was influenced by concerns about police-community relations in light of the murder of George Floyd, which sparked protests around the world including New Zealand.{{cite news |title=Police ending Armed Response Teams after trial – Commissioner |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418593/police-ending-armed-response-teams-after-trial-commissioner |access-date=10 June 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610000311/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418593/police-ending-armed-response-teams-after-trial-commissioner |archive-date=10 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Police Armed Response Teams to end |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12338431 |access-date=10 June 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610002330/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12338431 |archive-date=10 June 2020}}

In 2006 the New Zealand Police introduced stab-resistant vests, police used the Stab Resistant Body Armour (SRBA) and the ballistic Hard Armour Plate (HAP) used during firearm events as a ballistic cover plate. The SRBA was dark blue with police being written largely across the back with Sillitoe tartan markings above. On the front the police emblem and police was written much smaller on the left side over the heart with the Sillitoe tartan markings being shorter and across both lower shoulders. There were also two pouches over the stomach one on the left and one on the right with almost all tactical equipment being held on a duty belt.{{cite press release |title=Police begin roll-out of Stab Resistant Body Armour |date=14 December 2006 |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/2780 |access-date=7 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308172435/http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/2780 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |website=New Zealand Police}}{{cite news |date=9 December 2008 |title=New police armour stronger than a speeding bullet |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10547190 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010228/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-police-armour-stronger-than-a-speeding-bullet/MPA26XCWM7ZAUYWTBMNJH5CK7U/?c_id=1&objectid=10547190 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |access-date=8 March 2016 |website=The New Zealand Herald }}{{cite web |date=1 October 2020 |title=Frontline police in Auckland have taken to wearing their heavy ballistic plate body armour fulltime. |url=https://www.policeassn.org.nz/news/cops-in-defensive-mode-with-body-armour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010227/https://www.policeassn.org.nz/news/cops-in-defensive-mode-with-body-armour |archive-date=15 October 2022 |access-date=14 March 2021 |website=New Zealand Police Association}} The stab-resistant vests were seen as a massive success and the SRBA was used until its replacement by the Body Armour System (BAS) in 2019. The BAS are a big upgrade with better stab-resistant technology, the ability to fit ballistic Hard Armour Plates into the vest instead of having to wear an additional vest for ballistic protection and better ability to customise the vest layout of tactical equipment. The BAS looks similar to the SRBA with only subtle differences including the removal of the two pouches over the stomach being replaced with small straps that allow for any tactical equipment wanted to be stored on the vest instead of a duty belt and a new font for the police markings.{{cite press release |title=New body armour to help keep Police safe |date=31 January 2019 |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-body-armour-help-keep-police-safe |access-date=14 March 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001702/https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/new-body-armour-help-keep-police-safe |archive-date=12 November 2020 |website=New Zealand Police}}

File:KoiterangiIncidentMemorial01 gobeirne.jpg

File:KoiterangiIncidentMemorial02ShiftN gobeirne.jpg

On 8 October 1941, four police officers were killed by South Island farmer Stanley Graham, 40, who fired at them as they attempted to seize arms from his West Coast home at Kowhitirangi. After widespread searches, two policemen and a local civilian saw Graham carrying his rifle and ammunition belts on 20 October.{{cite news |url=http://ketewestcoast.peoplesnetworknz.info/image_files/0000/0000/1932/img-the_killing.jpg |title=The Killing of Stanley Graham |date=2 July 1977 |work=New Zealand Listener |access-date=12 May 2020 |archive-date=27 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527041125/http://ketewestcoast.peoplesnetworknz.info/image_files/0000/0000/1932/img-the_killing.jpg |url-status=live }} He was shot by Constable James D'Arcy Quirke with a .303 rifle, from a distance of 25 metres, while crawling through a patch of scrub. He died early the next morning in Westland Hospital, Hokitika.

The police investigation into the murders of Harvey and Jeanette Crewe in 1970 was a turning point in the public's perception of the police. A royal commission subsequently found that the police had planted evidence and framed Arthur Allan Thomas for the murder. Writer Keith Hunter believes this introduced "a cynicism (in attitudes towards the police) that infects us today."{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10798854 |title=System let down innocent man |date=14 October 2011 |access-date=4 March 2013 |archive-date=15 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415004657/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10798854 |url-status=live }}

File:1981-springbok-tour-auckland-entry-to-ground.jpg]]

During the 1981 Springbok tour, the police formed three riot squads known as Red Squad, Blue Squad and White Squad to control anti-apartheid protesters who laid siege to rugby union fields where the touring team was playing.{{cite web |url=http://www.anc.org.za/un/conference/putting.html |title=Lessons from the Movements of Australia and New Zealand |last=Utting |first=Peter |publisher=Conference on International Anti-Apartheid Movements in South Africa's Freedom Struggle: Lessons for Today |date=October 2004 |access-date=9 April 2008 |archive-date=4 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704152148/http://www.anc.org.za/un/conference/putting.html |url-status=live }} Police were described as being heavy-handed with their batons as they tried to 'subdue' protesters opposed to the Springbok tour.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10802199 Top 10 politically-divisive sporting moments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911115216/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10802199 |date=11 September 2012 }}, The New Zealand Herald, 29 April 2012 The tour had a significant effect on public perceptions of the police who since this time "have never been viewed with the same general benign approval".[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=184703 Dialogue: 20 years on a good time to review rugby rumpus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023745/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=184703 |date=4 March 2016 }}, The New Zealand Herald, 26 April 2001

In July 1985, the New Zealand Police arrested two French Action Service operatives after the Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk in Auckland harbour. The rapid arrest was attributed to the high level of public support for the investigation.{{cite web |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/operation/wharf/ |title=Rainbow Warrior bombing, 1985 |publisher=New Zealand Police |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050718074414/http://www.police.govt.nz/operation/wharf/ |archive-date=18 July 2005 |df=dmy-all}}

In October 2007 at least 17 people were arrested in a series of raids under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and the Arms Act 1983. The raids targeted a range of political activists allegedly involved in illegal firearms activity.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10469938&pnum=0 |title=Exclusive: Hunters alerted police to alleged terror camps |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 October 2007 |access-date=15 October 2007}} The case dragged on for nearly four years and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Much of the surveillance evidence was found to have been gained illegally and charges against all but four defendants were dropped.{{cite news |title=Urewera raids charges dropped |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10749743 |date=6 September 2011 |first1=Jared |last1=Savage |first2=Edward |last2=Gay |access-date=6 September 2011 |archive-date=6 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906132626/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10749743 |url-status=live }} The remaining four were charged with firearms offences, found guilty and sentenced to terms of imprisonment and home detention.{{cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793370 |title=Urewera trial: Guilty of firearms charges, hung jury on conspiracy |first=Edward |last=Gay |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320050216/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793370 |url-status=live }}

On 20 January 2012, the police flew in by helicopter and arrested Kim Dotcom and three others in Coatesville, Auckland, in an armed raid on Dotcom's house following United States cybercrime indictments against him for on-line piracy via his internet file sharing company, Megaupload. Assets worth $17 million were seized including eighteen luxury cars, giant screen TVs and works of art. According to Dotcom, about 80 police officers were involved in the operation;{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10783521 |work=The New Zealand Herald |first=David |last=Fisher |title=Details of 'surprise assault' on Dotcom mansion |date=5 February 2012 |access-date=12 October 2012 |archive-date=20 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120182027/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10783521 |url-status=live }} the New Zealand police claimed it was between 20 and 30.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/technology/megaupload-founder-goes-from-arrest-to-cult-hero.html?ref=global-home |work=The New York Times |first=Jonathan |last=Hutchison |title=Megaupload Founder Goes From Arrest to Cult Hero |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701044802/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/technology/megaupload-founder-goes-from-arrest-to-cult-hero.html?ref=global-home |url-status=live }} The incident became controversial when a district court judge ruled that the warrants issued for the property seizures were invalid and it turned out the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) had broken the law when asked by police to spy on Dotcom.

{{Main|List of New Zealand police officers killed in the line of duty}}

Since 1 September 1886, 34 police officers have been killed by criminals.

A member of the New Zealand Police, Sergeant Stewart Graeme Guthrie, was the last New Zealand civilian recipient of the George Cross, which is awarded for conspicuous gallantry. He fired a warning shot near a gunman at Aramoana on 13 November 1990, but was killed by a return shot from the gunman, who also killed twelve others.{{London Gazette|issue=52837 |supp=y|pages=2783–2784|date=17 February 1992}} {{As of|2025|January}}, 34 police officers have been killed by criminal acts, and about 17 by accident, while in the performance of their official duties.{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/about/memorial.html |title=Memorial – New Zealand Police |access-date=10 July 2008 |archive-date=25 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425193644/http://www.police.govt.nz/about/memorial.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10531643 |title=Two questioned after policeman chased, shot dead |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 September 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10570929 |title=Three officers shot at, one killed – report |date=7 May 2009 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020131045/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10570929 |url-status=live }} The most recent police officer to be killed in the line of duty was Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, who was struck by a vehicle in "an unprovoked and senseless act" early New Years Day 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-01 |title=Police officer dies after patrol car rammed in Nelson |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/01/police-officer-dies-after-patrol-car-rammed-in-nelson/ |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=1News |language=en}}

In June 2012 the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a comprehensive report on deaths in police custody.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2012/2012-June-30-Deaths-in-Custody.aspx |title=comprehensive report on deaths in police custody |access-date=6 October 2012 |archive-date=6 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206193602/http://ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2012/2012-June-30-Deaths-in-Custody.aspx |url-status=live }} There were 27 deaths in the last ten years – ten of which were suicides. Seven deaths occurred when police were overly vigorous in the use of restraint. Another seven were "caused by the detainee's medical condition" which got dramatically worse in police custody, and three deaths were drug related when police failed to ascertain the detainees were on drugs. Of the 27 deaths, the IPCA said only four "involved serious neglect of duty or breaches of policy by police".[http://www.ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2012/2012-June-30-Deaths-in-Custody.aspx Deaths in Police custody – lessons from a ten-year review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206193602/http://ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2012/2012-June-30-Deaths-in-Custody.aspx |date=6 February 2013 }}, IPCA 30 June 2012 On top of deaths in custody, police have shot and killed seven people in the last ten years. One was an innocent bystander, and another two were not carrying firearms but were carrying other weapons.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10715463 Seventh fatal police shooting in 11 years] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010253/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/seventh-fatal-police-shooting-in-11-years/URY54K67UKDSYBZGO47EMBU7JE/?c_id=1&objectid=10715463 |date=15 October 2022 }}, The New Zealand Herald, 28 March 2011 The police were exonerated in all seven cases.

Numerous people have also died in collisions during or shortly after police car chases. In the five years after December 2003, 24 people died and 91 received serious injuries in police pursuits.[http://www.ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2009/2009-Oct13-Pursuits-Review.aspx Authority recommends changes to Police pursuit policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207004029/http://ipca.govt.nz/Site/media/2009/2009-Oct13-Pursuits-Review.aspx |date=7 February 2013 }}, IPCA Over this period, the IPCA made numerous recommendations to change police protocols, but the death rate continued to climb. In 2010, 18 drivers fleeing police were killed.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10713137 Spike in number of drivers killed fleeing police] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010302/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/spike-in-number-of-drivers-killed-fleeing-police/Z5VBMY7KZNUNYUYMKIH4K2VC2E/?c_id=1&objectid=10713137 |date=15 October 2022 }}, NZ Herald 17 March 2011 Fourteen of the deaths were triggered by pursuits over minor offences rather than serious crimes.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10692557 |title=Editorial: Safety for all is top priority in police pursuits |date=5 December 2010 |access-date=6 January 2013 |archive-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626125642/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10692557 |url-status=live }} That year police conducted the fourth review of pursuit policy in six years and ignored key recommendations of the Independent Police Conduct Authority making only minor changes to the policy.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10675992 The chase is still on] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203134730/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10675992 |date=3 December 2012 }}, NZ Herald 25 November 2010 Over the next 12 months, 15 drivers died in the course of police pursuits.[http://www.ipca.govt.nz/Site/publications/Accountability/2011-Annual-Report.aspx Annual Report 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207003842/http://ipca.govt.nz/Site/publications/Accountability/2011-Annual-Report.aspx |date=7 February 2013 }}, IPCA 14% of pursuits result in a crash either by the police or the offender but police guidelines do not provide a predetermined speed at which officers should pull out of a pursuit. The IPCA has now recommended that pursuit policy would should require officers to "state a reason for beginning a pursuit," and recommended compulsory alcohol and drug testing of police officers involved in fatal incidents.[http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hawkes-bay/8652494/Officer-should-have-stopped-chase-IPCA Officer should have stopped chase – IPCA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510151809/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hawkes-bay/8652494/Officer-should-have-stopped-chase-IPCA |date=10 May 2013 }}, Dominion Post, 10 May 2013

{{Main|National Security Investigations Team (New Zealand)}}

Since 2005 the NZ Police's main counterterrorism and threat assessment group is the National Security Investigations Team, previously known as the Special Investigation Group.{{cite web |title=Information related to the "Special Investigations Group" |url=https://fyi.org.nz/request/16313-information-related-to-the-special-investigations-group?nocache=incoming-62005#incoming-62005 |website=FYI.org.nz |date=6 August 2021 |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820003958/https://fyi.org.nz/request/16313-information-related-to-the-special-investigations-group?nocache=incoming-62005#incoming-62005 |url-status=live }} The NSIT is composed of four teams in regional centres, with a remit that covers early intervention in cases of extremism, soliciting informants, and building relationships with communities. Public information on the NSIT was released in relation to criticism of its handling of right wing terrorism in the lead up to the Christchurch terror attack.{{cite web |title=Part 8. Chapter 6. New Zealand Police |url=https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/part-8-assessing-the-counter-terrorism-effort/new-zealand-police/ |website=Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques on 15 March 2019 |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805182937/https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/part-8-assessing-the-counter-terrorism-effort/new-zealand-police/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Intelligence agencies' failures highlighted but no accountability sought |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/432627/intelligence-agencies-failures-highlighted-but-no-accountability-sought |website=Radio New Zealand |date=11 December 2020 |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820025217/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/432627/intelligence-agencies-failures-highlighted-but-no-accountability-sought |url-status=live }}

The NZ Police are accountable for the operational response to threats to national security, including terrorism. If an incident escalates to a level where their internal resources are unable to adequately deal with the issue (for example, a major arms encounter or a significant terrorist threat), the Police Incident Controller may call on extra assistance from the New Zealand Defence Force and in particular NZ's Special Forces, the military focused New Zealand Special Air Service and terrorism focused Commando Squadron (D Squadron). Control of the incident remains with police throughout. As of 2009, the two military counter terrorist units have never been deployed in a domestic law-enforcement operation. Military resources such as Light Armoured Vehicles have been used and requested before, such as during the Napier shootings, and Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters from No. 3 Squadron are often used to assist in search and rescue and cannabis eradication operations.

In 1964, the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was created to provide a specialist armed response unit, similar to the Metropolitan Police Service's SC&O19 in the United Kingdom. In addition to the AOS, the New Zealand Police maintain a full-time counter-terrorist unit, the Special Tactics Group (STG). Similar to the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, the STG train in dynamic entry and other tactics vital in high-risk situations. The STG train with the SAS and are the last line of law enforcement response available before a police Incident Controller calls in support from the Defence Force.

{{Main|Crime in New Zealand}}

Crime statistics are documented in the police annual report.{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.govt.nz/annual-report-2012 |title=Police annual report |access-date=28 November 2012 |archive-date=14 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214130719/http://www.police.govt.nz/annual-report-2012 |url-status=live }} The police also publish bi-yearly statistical summaries of crime for both New Zealand as a whole and each police district. In early 2005, crime statistics for both recorded crime and recorded apprehensions for the last 10 years were published by Statistics New Zealand. These statistics provide offence statistics related to individual sections of legislation and appear to be the most detailed national crime statistics available today.

{{Main|List of New Zealand Police controversies}}

Throughout its history, the New Zealand Police has been the subject of a number of controversies. Some have been investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority; others have received significant publicity.

• Wrongful conviction of Arthur Allan Thomas, 1971
• The Dawn raids, racially targeted immigration crackdown, 1973-1979
• Response to the 1981 Springbok Tour
• Wrongful conviction of Alan Hall based on fabricated evidence, refusing the right to counsel, etc.
• 1989 Murder of Deane Fuller-Sandys and Leah Stephens
• Integrated National Crime Information System (INCIS) development
• Inadequate communications centre response, 2004
• Dame Margaret Bazley's inquiry into historical sexual misconduct by police, 2004
• Failures to investiate Wairarapa sexual abuse cases,
• Covert spying on the public and activist groups, 2008
• David Lyttle framed for the muder of Brett Hall, 2011
• Raid on Kim Dotcom as part of an international investigation into Megaupload, 2012
• Inhumane treatment of youths held in police detention, 2012
• The 2014 raid on Nicky Hager over his book, Dirty Politics
• Constable Vili Taukolo convicted of corruption, acting as a paid informant for organized crime, leading to the formation of the Police National Integrity Unit in 2020.
• Use of excessive force against, and the wrongful detention of Daniel Bond
• The 2019 death of Allen Ball while in custody
• Racially targeted warrantless photos of Māori youth
• Use of controversial CIPEM interview technique to ellicit false confessions in multiple homicide investigations, 2019-2021
• Failure to prevent the murder of Farzana Yaqubi at the hands of a stalker in 2022
• 2022 Wellington protest and occupation of Parliament
• Violations of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, including the death of Alo Ngata
• Officer involved in public indecency incident at Paremata train station
• Suspension of Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming pending a criminal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations
• Police Officer caught going 150kph+ without lights and sirens {{Cite web |date=2025-07-02 |title=Police officer caught going 150 kilometres per hour with no sirens or lights on |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/565713/police-officer-caught-going-150-kilometres-per-hour-with-no-sirens-or-lights-on |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

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• Ross Ardern
• Mark Ball
• Chester Borrows
• Nicky Cooney
• Casey Costello
• Frank Guinness
• Ellen Halpenny
• Robert Henry
• Matthew Hunt
• Jeremy Kench
• Mark Mitchell
• Katie Perkins
• Tracy Phillips
• Tafua Maluelue Tafua

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{{Portal|New Zealand|Law}}

• Armed Offenders Squad
• Cook Islands Police Service
• Corruption in New Zealand
• Crime in New Zealand
• Crimes Act 1961
• Dignitary Protection Service
• Gangs in New Zealand
• Independent Police Conduct Authority
• Institute of Environmental Science and Research – provider of forensic services to NZ police
• New Zealand Police Negotiation Team
• Organised Crime Agency
• Policing Act 2008
• Royal New Zealand Police College
• Special Tactics Group
• New Zealand Customs Service

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{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://policeassn.org.nz/ New Zealand Police Association]

{{New Zealand intelligence community}}

{{NZ Public Sector Organisations outside the Core Public Service}}

{{Oceania topic|Law enforcement in}}{{Emergency and Rescue Services in New Zealand}}{{New Zealand topics}}

{{Authority control}}

Police

Category:1842 establishments in New Zealand