The Government are denying there's confusion around the proposed target to get 500 more police officers within two years.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has had to correct the record in the House, after saying the Government had extended its deadline to deliver 500 more cops.

National and New Zealand First agreed to meet the goal in two years - but Mitchell previously stated they needed three, due to significant challenges.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Mark Mitchell was 'hung out to dry', as recruiting that many new officers remains an unrealistic goal.

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