It's "exciting times in police" says the minister, who plans to roll out an "ambitious plan" to boost the number of recruits.
Stuart Nash said the Labour-led government wants to pull in 1800 new police over three years, compared to National's plan of 880 over four years.
"They've got a moderate plan we've got an ambitious plan," he said today.
"One thing we're adamant we’re not going to do is drop the standards."
"We need to make sure we do recruit people with the good skills to do the job."
He said the nature of those entering the police force "was changing", with police having a goal to increase gender equity.
However when asked about pay increases of police relating to attracting recruits, Mr Nash started to edge away and said "I might be in trouble if I don’t get to my first caucus meeting".
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