The New Zealand Police Manual includes all instructions and guidance in chapters on the administrative and operational aspects of policing, including nationally consistent principles, practices, policies and standard operating procedures ( sometimes loosely called “politics”).

Current policies are posted on this website and are proactively disclosed by the police to ensure transparency and openness.

For a small number of policies, some information has been redacted as police believe disclosure would be likely to undermine the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation and detection of offences, and the right to a trial fair. In determining availability, the police were guided by the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982.

Police are likely to withhold redacted information in response to a request made under the Official Information Act 1982. However, you have the right to make such a request and can do so on our “Request Information” page. It would make it easier for the police to review your request if you indicated why you think the reason for detention may not be justified. We will then assess your request and respond to you within 20 business days.