An ex Police negotiator's welcoming criticism of Police -- after backlash towards a Green MP's comments

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, has copped backlash from most major party leaders -- for her suggestion Wellingtonians do not want to see more Police on the beat.

She's reiterating her comments, as her party stands by her concerns about the behaviour of Police, to some communities.

Former negotiator Lance Burdett says we keep things on a level playing field after criticism -- but probably not to this extreme.

He says they do need some pushback on anything they do.

Burdett's echoing the importance of Police - kept in check by the likes of the media and the IPCA.