Minister Mitchell defends police following MP's criticism

Green MP Tamatha Paul has received backlash for her remarks about police presence during a panel discussion at the University of Canterbury. She expressed that police beat patrols make many people feel less safe and claimed she has heard many complaints about them. Police Minister Mark Mitchell strongly disagreed with Paul’s comments. He referred to official figures showing a 5.5% decrease in violent crime in Wellington Central, arguing that police presence is essential for safety. Paul suggested exploring alternatives to traditional policing, proposing that other institutions could take over some police roles. Her comments have sparked a debate about the effectiveness and perception of police in communities. Paul's remarks come after previous criticisms of the judicial system, indicating her ongoing concern about policing and public safety.