Photo: RNZI/ Mary Baines
Cook Islands opposition police spokesman, Tamaiva Tuavera, says the Police Department and Ministry of Justice have been badly neglected by successive governments.
Mr Tuavera claims both the police and justice have been seriously handicapped and under-resourced with staff among the lowest paid in the Cook Islands public service.
He said if there was a change of government at the next election both services will get much needed financial support which will lead to better services for the public and improved working conditions for staff.