Police review looks at safety of staff

The review was ordered earlier this year. File photo

Police are considering a number of control measures to protect staff as part of a review of front counter safety at stations across the country.

The review was ordered earlier this year after staff voiced concerns about safety in public counter areas.

Particular concerns were raised by staff about modern police stations where open-plan designs have replaced more traditional layouts.

The issue was highlighted last month when a man walked up to a suburban Palmerston North police station and fired multiple shots at the windows.

He then went to the main police station, walked into the reception area where a staff member was sitting and fired two shots.

The public counter was protected by glass doors and barriers and the staff member was not injured.

Police national human resources manager for wellness and safety Stu Duncan said recent re-designs of reception areas had "focussed primarily on customer service".

"We're re-evaluating to make sure we've got the balance right between customer service and the safety of our employees and the public," he said.

"We're looking at a number of potential control measures, among them things such as CCTV, counter design and counter barriers."

The review involves groups from Police National Headquarters that deal with administration, operations and response, representatives from the 12 police districts, the Police Association and external consultants.

Mr Duncan said the review team had considered risks ranging from threatening language to physical assault and use of a weapon; and preventive measures and mitigation based on training, technology and design of front counters and reception areas.

"We don't want to make our premises less welcoming to members of our communities but we must do all we can to ensure our staff and members of the public are safe," he said.

The review team was reporting to the police executive, including Commissioner Mike Bush, later this month.

"If approved, detailed work will proceed on potential designs, and training, standards and guidelines that can be adapted to the wide variety of police locations," said Mr Duncan.