Police funding Time to cut ties

It is very disturbing to hear the Police Association lobbying for police to further abrogate their basic social responsibility to respond to the most vulnerable members of our community.

Tragically there are thousands of individuals within our community who have been grossly neglected by successive governments. They include individuals who were turfed from institutions under the guise of de-institutionalisation, promised support but have often ended up in jail, addicts or alienated.

Obviously, the mental health system is in a chronic state. As a community we have horrendously failed those most at risk.

It remains a basic responsibility of the police to endeavour to protect the vulnerable and mentally ill. It is clear that the police themselves, through a lack of resources, have effectively failed in the battle against ‘P’, and face a massive growth of organised crime and the proliferation of gang membership.

It is time politicians found the intestinal fortitude and wisdom to prioritise funding for both the police and mental health.

Michael Reeves, Oriental Bay

It is ridiculous, but not at all surprising, that Queen Camilla has been appointed as an additional member of the Order of New Zealand – our highest award – for ‘‘services to New Zealand’’, having ‘‘engaged with organisations’’ and ‘‘launched a cookbook’’.

Her appointment is as ridiculous as having King Charles as New Zealand’s head of state and celebrating his birthday. The sooner we cut ties with this deeply unimpressive, tax-avoiding bunch of royals the better.

Simon Mark, Roseneath