Changes are likely to be made within the police force's property holdings, but no stations have been earmarked for closure, police say.
The comments came today as information in a briefing to Police Minister Judith Collins was released indicating the police national property portfolio was being targeted for cost cutting.
Released to Radio Live under the Official Information Act, the briefing talked about a review including the "rationalisation of housing and station numbers".
Police presented a list of cost-cutting measures to the Government before the budget and the briefing paper identifies property as part of "phase two" spending cuts.
The police property portfolio has 600 buildings including 380 stations, along with houses and storage facilities.
Labour law and order spokesman Clayton Cosgrove said the review was a worrying development for the New Zealand public.
The sale of any police houses in outlying townships would hugely diminish the role of the accompanying stations, he said.
But while Mr Cosgrove talked about a "sell-off" and closures , police finance general manager Bruce Simpson said there was no list of police stations, or other property, scheduled for closure.
"We are looking at our property portfolio to ensure we are making the best use of our investment in them," Mr Simpson said.
"There may be change in our use of buildings as a result."
He said, like all government agencies, police had been required to investigate cost savings, but the focus would remain on retaining "highest standards of public safety".
The briefing paper said exercises carried out to identify cost savings had the potential to be "extremely disruptive" if not carefully managed.
Mr Cosgrove said that coupled with a move this year to trim the national police vehicle fleet, police could not afford to lose any stations.
"What are cops in a rural town that loses its station expected to do when they arrest someone? Chain them up in their back yard?"
Police Minister Judith Collins said she had been advised there was no list of stations identified for closure and Mr Cosgrove's claims were "alarmist".
Ms Collins said she had an assurance from Police Commissioner Howard Broad that any spending reductions would not compromise public safety.
