Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to Retire at End of Term in 2025

News Desk

Jul 26, 2024 - 1 min read

Andrew Coster to conclude his tenure as Police Commissioner on 2 April 2025.
Coster’s leadership noted for navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coster introduced the tactical response model, improving officer training and deployment.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will leave the police at the end of his contract in 2025. His term will officially conclude on 2 April 2025, as confirmed by a police spokesperson.

Coster’s leadership has been marked by significant challenges, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after his appointment in April 2020. His tenure, which came during a tight fiscal environment, saw efforts to bridge the gap between frontline staff and senior leadership.

Police Association President Chris Cahill acknowledged Coster’s long and valued career. He highlighted the introduction of the tactical response model, which doubled the tactical training days for frontline officers from 3.5 to 7.5 days annually. This model was implemented following the tragic death of Constable Matthew Hunt in 2020 and has been recognised as a major improvement in officer training and safety.

Before his current role, Coster held various positions within the police force, including area commander in Auckland City Central and district commander for the Southern Police District. He has been part of the force since 1997, moving to Police National Headquarters in 2015 as an assistant commissioner. His career also includes serving as a solicitor and a deputy chief executive at the Ministry of Justice.