Western Cape Premier and Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille says she found Tuesday's discussion between President Jacob Zuma and police commissioners useful and constructive.

The country's nine premiers and several cabinet ministers and MECs attended the meeting.

"I was particularly interested in the comments made by the station commanders. They made a lot of interesting points and I wrote them down and I've taken them back for improvement."

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said one of the main issues was a belief their work was being undermined by the justice system.

"They arrest these people but they got off scot-free and that is part of the human rights culture and it's part of the constitution of the country."

Zuma wants the rights of suspects to be reduced so that they do not manipulate the system.