Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The police had wanted to put 160 new staff recruited in the past year into the organised crime unit, but instead they were sent to MIQ facilities after a request for help.
Police told the government that means some regions could miss out on new officers for some time, and other priority areas could also suffer.
As part of the 1800 extra police promise, to be delivered by June 2023, 700 organised crime roles are supposed to be filled.
In documents obtained under the Official Information Act, the Commissioner Andrew Coster was approached by the Acting Deputy Commissioner Angela Brazier about prioritising Serious and Organised Crime roles where possible after the police were approved to bring forward the recruitment of 160 officers in the 2020-21 year.