Concerns demand has outstripped efforts to improve frontline police numbers.
Police Minister Ginny Andersen says the Government is closing in on its goal of bolstering staffing by 1800 officers.
The Police Association's president says the increase made a real difference initially, but officers are again overwhelmed.
Chris Cahill says the work to improve staffing represents a 20 percent increase.
But he says there's a 60 percent increase in demand around family harm and mental health alongside growing gang numbers.
LISTEN ABOVE

Laura McClure: ACT Education Spokesperson on the Government backing down from changing homeschool laws
02:47

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR at 2.25%
03:15

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on his expectations for Budget 2026
03:20