Cops too old at 45? All change in ranks

MORE than a dozen high-ranking police officers have left the force or been seconded to other agencies amid claims of dissatisfaction among top brass.

And other officers were also being told to plan for the ‘‘next steps’’ – at age 45.

Since Commissioner Mike Bush was appointed in April 2014, 13 superintendents have resigned. Just one resigned in 2013, and six left the year before that.

Bush said the departing superintendents had an average age of 55.5 years, and had each completed an average of 35 years’ service.

He added that they had left after ‘‘long, productive and successful careers’’.

But one of the former superintendents said Bush’s response was nothing but ‘‘corporate spin’’ and top police officers had been ‘‘deliberately managed out’’.

The former officer said colleagues did not want to leave. ‘‘It’s what motivates you to get out of bed at 3am to deal with something that nobody else wants to deal with.’’

Bush said there were many officers who worked into their 60s and 70s. ‘‘Interestingly, just this week I was privileged to attend the attestation of a new wing of recruits, which included a 51-year-old recruit, in keeping with our goal of reflecting the diverse communities we serve.’’

In May, Tasman district commander, Superintendent Karyn Malthus told staff the district had the highest number of officers aged over 45 and police had a ‘‘number of services to assist’’ police considering their ‘‘next step’’.

‘‘As you all know, our district has the highest number of staff aged over 45 years old. I’m in that bracket, and while I might still feel like a spring chicken, it has been a reminder to me that retirement comes to us all and that this isn’t a job for life,’’ she wrote.

It is understood that some of the officers felt Bush did not listen to their ideas or advice and there was a lack of discussion.

Bush denied that, saying his senior leadership team had ‘‘open and honest discussions’’ and he was ‘‘committed’’ to listening to staff feedback.

It is understood there was also disquiet among staff about the rise through the ranks of some police officers. In a 2015 workplace survey, only 31.3 per cent of officers felt that police were appointed to positions based on merit.

The performance score for the category, ‘‘I believe actions will be taken based on the results of this survey’’ also fell.

Bush said the police recognised both categories were areas for ‘‘ongoing improvement’’ and had set up a team to address the issues.