The Southern district is to get 37 new police officers under the $388 million investment in police announced by the Government in February.
Three stations in the Southern district will also go to 24/7 response services over the next four years.
Balclutha will become a 24/7 operational station in the 2018-19 year, Wanaka the following year and Alexandra in 2020-21. A decision on a further Southland rural station to become 24/7 was still being made.
Nationally, an extra 880 police will be funded as part of the Safer Communities investment package, it was announced today.
“We have carefully considered where the additional 880 staff should go and where they will make the most difference,'' Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.
"Our allocation model has taken into account changing crime patterns, increased demand and population growth.
"This investment package provides a significant opportunity for police to address the pressures facing some of our districts and expand on the work being done to make New Zealand the safest country.”
The first phase includes the recruitment of 220 constabulary staff. The first wing to include new recruits funded through the investment package, Wing 308, will start on 10 July 2017. These 80 recruits will graduate in October 2017.
Clutha-Southland and Invercargill MPs Todd Barclay and Sarah Dowie welcomed the news of extra officers in their electorates.
"Balclutha will be one of 20 towns around New Zealand to be resourced to ensure a police officer will be on patrol and on call at all hours of the day," Mr Barclay said.
"Another Southland rural station will also receive resources for round the clock police coverage, but the exact station is yet to be confirmed.
"These existing 'business hours' stations moving to a 24/7 response capability, means staff are patrolling/on duty at all hours of the day and night and this will give our communities more confidence that help is on hand."
Ms Dowie said she was "thrilled'' at the news.
The additional officers will join the force during the coming four years.
