Allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the Police College in Wellington are raising questions about the calibre of recent recruits.
The National Party says it's concerned about stories coming out of Porirua Police College and says the Government's recruitment target is putting police under pressure.
Recruits from Wing 318 were part of the biggest intake in a decade but some classmates were the subject of allegations involving alcohol at the college.
The incident was investigated but Superintendent Scott Fraser says those concerned were able to graduate.
"Quite simply, if someone does not meet the standard to graduate, they will not be graduated," Mr Fraser said.
Another recruit from that wing came under scrutiny for a more serious offence, but later graduated top of the class and is now a constable.
Police Minister Stuart Nash said the recruit was investigated but there was, "nothing to see here".
Another recruit from that wing, and three recruits from other wings, are currently being investigated while a further four recruits have been temporarily stood down following allegations of misconduct.
Police are adamant they're not under pressure to achieve the Government's target of 1800 new police over the next three years.
"If, on the off chance we just don’t get the good quality men and women, then it will be three and a half years,” Mr Nash said.
“But I am adamant we are not going to drop the quality."
National’s spokesperson for Police, MP Chris Bishop, says the policy of 880 new police over the next four years was more realistic and that they were advised that increasing that target would mean a struggle to maintain quality.
"The danger is when you lower standards that infects the rest of the force over time. And I've had frontline police officers-to-be say they're concerned at the stories they're hearing out of the police college," Mr Bishop said.
He wants an investigation into the handling of the recent allegations, but Police Association president Chris Cahill says the association is not concerned.
"I’m aware of young New Zealanders who have applied to join police who I think would make outstanding police officers who have been turned down, simply because they've failed a test,” he said.
“That gives me reassurance that police are not lowering their standards."
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