The next Parliament should consider setting up an independent complaints procedure so police wouldn't waste their time with political stunts, Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton said today.
"Police resources are needed to deal with crime," he said.
"And yet politicians are repeatedly using up police resources on investigation of minor issues."
Mr Anderton said the latest example was New Zealand First being cleared after police had to investigate a complaint laid by ACT leader Rodney Hide.
"Referring someone for an investigation is a classic stunt to make a rival politician look shady - if it's not the police it's the SFO, the Audit Office, the Electoral Commission or the Eketahuna rabbit empowering board," he said.
"It's better to have an independent authority who can take the first level of complaints and reduce the pressure on agencies that have better things to do."
