The Police Association hopes the new minister will listen to those on the front line.

Chris Hipkins replaces Poto Williams as Police Minister after she faced strong criticism.

Jacinda Ardern says she and Williams agreed the focus of the portfolio wasn't where it needed to be.

Association president Chris Cahill told Andrew Dickens he thinks Hipkins will be more direct

But he says they'd be naïve to think he can solve gang problems and drive by shootings in Auckland overnight.

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