Commissioner condemns attempted shooting of Police Officer

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall has condemned the attempted shooting of a Police Officer in Auckland this morning during a routine vehicle stop.

The Commissioner said he is thankful that the shots fired at very close range missed the officer.

"While the vast majority of our roadside interactions with individuals take place peacefully and without violence there continues to be a minor element within society who resort to mindless violence.

"Having been out on the streets recently with the frontline, they have my utmost admiration for the way they go about their jobs.   Today's incident underlines the fact that Police Officers must be constantly alert and vigilant for signs of irrational behaviour by those with whom they interact.   On the other hand good conversational communication is a Police Officer's best skill.   Maintaining the balance is the art of policing and I take my hat off to my staff's professionalism," said Mr Marshall.

The Commissioner said that the Constable and his colleagues who were involved in this morning's incident are now resting but he would be in contact with them later in the day.

"I am very confident the offenders involved in this incident will be located and put before the courts" said Mr Marshall.