Police Minister Annette King has rejected claims that too few newly recruited officers are in front-line jobs.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor says police managers are directing too many recruits into "pet projects and backroom functions".
But Ms King says Police Commissioner Howard Broad is responsible for deciding where new officers are deployed.
She says she also disagrees with the association's definition of a front-line officer. Community police and detectives solving murders should be regarded as front-line officers.
The association says a new agency to tackle organised crime could strip the police of vital resources.
The Government's three-week-old Organised and Financial Crime Agency includes the Serious Fraud Office, but is based within the police.
Mr O'Connor says the agency should improve co-ordination, but it will be counter-productive if district offices are simply run down to staff it.
