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Appendix 5: Functions of the New Zealand Police and principles of policing

Response of the New Zealand Police to the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct: First monitoring report.

Sections 8 and 9 of the Policing Act 2008 set out the functions of the New Zealand Police and the principles of policing. These functions and principles are reproduced below.

Functions of Police include:
  • keeping the peace;
  • maintaining public safety;
  • law enforcement;
  • crime prevention;
  • community support and assistance;
  • national security;
  • participation in policing activities outside New Zealand; and
  • emergency management.
Principles of policing:
  • principled, effective, and efficient policing services are a cornerstone of a free and democratic society under the rule of law;
  • effective policing relies on a wide measure of public support and confidence;
  • policing services are provided under a national framework but also have a local community focus;
  • policing services are provided in a manner that respects human rights;
  • policing services are provided independently and impartially; and
  • in providing policing services every Police employee is required to act professionally, ethically, and with integrity.
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