By Tony Wall
Auckland's police chief - under pressure to solve crime or lose his job - has surprised his staff by telling them how much he earns.
In a radical departure from past regimes, Superintendent Howard Broad has outlined the details of his contract, which makes him accountable for crime rates in his patch.
The move comes as police executives prepare to meet in Wellington today to discuss the performance review framework to which the country's 12 district managers will be tied.
Mr Broad outlined details of his contract in the June 28 staff newsletter, which he calls Broadly Speaking, a copy of which was obtained by the New Zealand Herald.
"I am on a five-year contract after which my position will be re-advertised. (I can apply)," Mr Broad wrote.
"I can be removed earlier for cause. I have 5 per cent of my salary 'at risk' for poor performance and for exceptional performance I can earn a reward of up to 8 per cent. The total remuneration band in which I am paid is band six - $138,000 to $172,000."
Mr Broad told the Herald yesterday that he had an open and consultative management style and was happy to "lead the charge" in the new environment of accountability.
He and other managers were being constantly monitored by the Commissioner of Police.
The Auckland Police Association director, Sergeant Mark Leys, said Mr Broad's revelations were extraordinary.
"It's quite a radical departure - generally speaking commissioned officers' contracts have been considered to be utterly confidential."
Seergeant Leys said he believed staff would appreciate Mr Broad's honesty.
Other district managers spoken to yesterday seemed surprised by Mr Broad's move.
Superintendent John Kelly, in charge of Wellington police, said he had not yet signed a contract but in the past had been subject to confidentiality clauses.
Counties-Manukau manager, Superintendent Ted Cox, said: "We've talked about accountability - if we don't perform we're out and those sorts of things. I haven't gone quite as far as him [Mr Broad], but we'll see where we end up."
Superintendent Sandy Manderson, national manager of organisation performance attached to the commissioner's office, said the police executive was to meet today to finalise performance indicators.
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