This is an example newspaper article which may contain some (few) errors - or none at all. Reading this critically should help find those errors there may be or, alternatively, convince you that there are none!
New Zealand police Act
New Zealand police are sometimes described as citizens in uniform.
Police are the public. The public are the police.
Inn all communities, policing impacts on people's lives in vastly different ways.
Irrespective of whether you're a law-abiding citizen, an offender, victim or stakeholder, all Kiwis have a stake in how policing is organised and delivered.
So what part does legislation play in this mix?
Simply, without legislation, police can't do their jobs effectively. And without well-drafted, forward-looking legislation , we can't keep pace with a changing police landscape.
New Zealand society is vastly different compared to 50 years ago.
Our population has doubled to top the 4 million mark; our people are more diverse - both in terms of ethnicity and religion; advances in technology and globalisation have brought high-speed communications, more worldly-wise citizens and, with that, new forms of crime which can threaten safety and security.
In 1958, police staff numbered 2269.
Today there are more than 10,500.
Yet most agree the Police Act doesn't actively support effective policing, which is why it is being put under the microscope.
While parts of the act remain useful today, new legislation need to recognise that modern-day policing has changed a great deal.
The discussion paper, Policing Directions in New Zealand for the 21st Century, is out for public consultation.
It outlines options for policing which are being considered by Government.
It spells out where change is required, and where we could provide for future flexibility.
For example, should policing in this country be guided by a set of principles which capture and reflect the New Zealand way of doing things?
Should police be required to consult with local communities about policing?
Would it be sensible to confirm the ability for police to ask people to move away from crime or crash scenes, ot other places where there is a risk to public safety?
Should undercover officers have better legislative backing to protect and maintain their pseudo identities?
Would it be fairer to allow for costs to be recovered for policing what are essentially private money-making events - such as providing security at concerts or sports events? Such examples are just a taste of the proposals contained in the discussion paper. To ensure we get the best form of legislation we need as many people as possible from all walks of life, to provide their views on what sort of policing they want and expect for the future.
The discussion paper is available from police stations, public libraries and at www.policeact.govt.nz.
