The Police Minister wants Police to be able to get back to basics

Figures released to RNZ show almost 60-percent of reports to Police last year were never acted on.

But the Police Association says about half of these weren't actually offences.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says Police are doing well with their 111 responses, but are often being called to health and welfare issues instead of crimes.

Mitchell says he's not happy police are being pulled in 100 different directions and are doing things they shouldn't have to, and wants them back in their core role.