Police are introducing new jobs and technology to improve how they handle requests for information.
The Ombudsman has found police unreasonably extended an Official Information Act (OIA) response to RNZ from mid-May to the end of July – 10 weeks on top of the usual four-week response period.
The OIA request was about a search and rescue operation. Police eventually responded in early July.
Official Information Act responses are meant to be completed in 20 working days.
Ombudsman John Allen investigated and said NZ Police told him it had set up a standalone unit to handle information requests.
Police are also introducing new roles to increase efficiency, and implementing the first phase of a new technology solution designed to replace the tool used currently to manage information requests and reduce delays.