Police cyber crime capabilities weak, official reports show

Official assessments in New Zealand show police cybercrime capability remains weak despite years of rising risk. RNZ reports that a 2024 review by the Australian Federal Police, released under the Official Information Act, found NZPol “lacks the capability and capacity” for high-level investigations. It said cyber probes were often dropped or left to “technology enthusiasts” within the force. Two years later, an internal April 2026 review concluded police still lacked tools to deal with cyber-dependent crime, described as a “new front line.” The report cited missing elements including a formal cybercrime strategy, clear performance indicators, and sufficient specialists. Police say details would require a new OIA request, noting a June query took until late September for a response.