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NewsHere are a few news items from various groups around the country. If you have any item you think should be here please send it to us - see the Contacts page for email and other addresses. Application For Trustee PositionImmediate Past Chairman Ian Pilbrow has advised his fellow Trustees that his resignation will be tendered effective 1st July 2010.The trustees have accepted this notice with reluctance. The Trustees call for expressions of interest to join the board of trustees. The closing date for receipt of any applications is 5pm Wednesday 28th July 2010. No applications will be considered following this close off date. The trustees seek a person who will help further the organization. Members of the public may also apply. The only criteria is the standard Police vetting. Selection is by Trustee vote. Thank you Robert Fowler Presentation to Papakura Community Patroller Don Hadfield A special Presentation to Papakura Community Patroller Don Hadfield (centre photo) Presented by The Hon Minister Police Judith Collins and Chairman Community Patrols New Zealand Robert Fowler CPNZ Raffle results:1st Prize: ticket 01255 CPNZ and your local patrol thanks you for your support. Westport Town Watch praisedJune 8, 2010  From left: Cr David Barnes, Town Watch president Challis Maugham and Area Commander Inspector John Canning. (Photo and story Chloe Vaughan, Westport News) The Coast's top cop has given Westport's Town Watch group a commendation for helping the police keep the community safe. Inspector John Canning praised the group's efforts when he presented the award last Friday at the police station. "They are our eyes and ears. They have been going 15 years, are unpaid, and work at night," he said. In particular, the commendation acknowledged Town Watch's assistance in an incident on May 9 when Westport man Jason Ian Fox fired a single shot, from a paintball gun, at a car. The two Town Watch members on duty observed the situation, obtained the registration number and identified some of the passengers in the car. The community patrol located the Fox's vehicle and provided updates to police until he was arrested. "You can't let exceptional behaviour go without a mention," Mr Canning said. Group president Challis Maugham said it was great for the Town Watch group to be recognised for its work. The group had developed a close relationship with the Police over a number of years, Mr Maugham said. Buller District councillor David Barnes said the community appreciated the time the group dedicated to patrols. "Volunteers are a vital part of the community," he said. The Town Watch group is part of Community Patrols of New Zealand, a national organisation of 120 community patrols. Teams of two patrol the streets in the Town Watch car. Shifts start at around 8pm Fridays and Saturdays and finish about 2am. Crime fighters step out the shadowsBy Genevieve Helliwell, Bay of Plenty Times, 8th June 2010 In the dead of night, Keith and Shirley Carter sit in their patrol vehicle and melt into the shadows with their thermos of hot coffee. They are the police watchdogs and scout the suburbs in a bid to keep trouble-makers off the street. Courageous Porirua Community Guardian recognised 19 May 2010 Porirua Mayor Jenny Brash welcomed Porirua Community Guardians to a meeting of the Porirua City Council on Wednesday 12 May. The Porirua Community Guardians were at the Council meeting to see Police Area Commander John Spence present Porirua Community Guardian Unutoa (Pepe) McBride with a Police Certificate of Appreciation. The certificate recognised Pepe's courageous and selfless actions in the Porirua City Centre on 15 April 2010 when she went to the aid of a victim of a vicious and unprovoked assault. Both the victim and the offender were large males. By standing in between the two, Pepe managed to diffuse the situation and assist the victim to get to a place of safety. Once Pepe ensured the victim was safe, she called Police. The offender was subsequently arrested. Both Mayor Jenny Brash and Commander Spence were full of praise for Pepe and the presentation was well received by Porirua City Councilors. Dave Bray, Porirua Community Guardians coordinator, said the Porirua Community Guardians were very proud of Pepe and while they try hard to avoid getting into confrontational situations, sometimes an event unfolds where they need to intervene. Four-way camera records it all on night time streetsSource: Whakatane Beacon, Wednesday, 14 April 2010 WHAKATANE’S dedicated community patrol vehicle is proving its worth. In July last year, with a $12,000 grant from the Whakatane community board, Whakatane Community Patrol obtained its own van. The Beacon recently joined patrollers Arthur Van Thiel and Whakatane mayor Colin Holmes as they roamed the town’s streets in the van, fitted with four cameras filming simultaneously in front, behind and to either side. The camera can hold 60 hours of footage and progressively overwrites the oldest material. Spotlights attached to the roof illuminate shop doorways, windows and other sights out to the van’s side. On the night the Beacon accompanied the patrollers it was very quiet. There was no hint of nefarious activity as we cruised the central business district, school grounds and alleys, and the industrial yards of businesses in Valley Road and Te Tahi Street. Mr Van Thiel drove while Mr Holmes noted when the van called at different locations. Whakatane Community Patrol secretary and former chairman John Renshaw said the service, which began in Whakatane in 1991, has 40 volunteer patrollers, or night owls, as they are often referred to. Its men and women volunteers are aged from 21 to 80-plus. The van is on the road at night during the week and for one daytime shift, and at additional times during special events, such as New Year and the recent New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships. “We’re concerned citizens interested in keeping our town a safe place. We’re not police but we work in closely with them,” Mr Renshaw said. Patrollers have spotted burglaries in progress and been able to advise police. A man was once spotted kicking in a plate glass window. He cut his leg and collapsed on the pavement due to blood loss. A patroller on duty with first aid experience was able to stop the bleeding “and may have saved his life”, Mr Renshaw said. One of his memorable experiences was alerting the police to two men carrying a sack late at night. The pair’s claim the bag contained an eel proved accurate, and the patrollers drove off feeling sheepish. Mr Renshaw said the service was always on the lookout for new volunteers. Anyone keen to join should contact patrol chairman Stuart Lougher on 07 3088643, or Community Constable Spike Dickey at the Whakatane Police Station. BOP Newsletters
Richmond Community Patrol a factor in reduced damage in Waimea area1 April, 2010 - 09:12 Police report a 7 percent increase in recorded crime in Nelson Bays in the 2009 calendar year, up from 9,030 recorded offences in 2008 to 9,648 in 2009. Over the same period the resolution rate dropped from 54.5 percent to 52.9 percent, but is still well above the national average of 47.8 percent. The rise in total recorded crime has been driven by increases in two offence categories:
Nelson Bays Area Commander, Detective Inspector John Winter said the 7 percent increase in the total number of recorded violence offences has been driven almost entirely by an increase in recorded family violence, up 14%. "The results are consistent with the national picture, where we have seen significant increases in recorded family violence offences since the roll-out of mandatory training to all front-line staff in 2007 and publicity campaigns about family violence," said Detective Inspector Winter. Many people may now be reporting to Police family violence offences which in the past may not have come to Police attention. What these figures do tell us is that Police are dealing with more matters as family violence offences. Detective Inspector Winter said Nelson Bays Police treat domestic violence very seriously and take a firm line on all situations to ensure the safety and welfare of all concerned. To assist with this, Police are working extremely closely with other Government Agencies in identifying vulnerable families, and ensuring all possible measures are in place to provide safety and assistance to them. The Criminal Investigation Branch continues to investigate serious allegations and 'High Risk' families and Community Section visit repeat offenders. 25 percent of those families requiring Police intervention have been subject to a domestic dispute in the previous 12 months. It is pleasing to see the community also has little tolerance of Family Violence and are quick to report it. The Drugs and Anti-Social offence category increased by 2 percent compared to 2008, driven mainly by an increase in Cannabis offences (+98 offences). This was offset by a drop in Disorder offences (-79 offences). "Nelson Bays Police acknowledge that a large amount of dishonesty offending occurs to allow the criminal concerned to support their drug or alcohol habit. Disorderly behaviour is also fuelled by drugs and alcohol. By taking a zero tolerance approach and focusing resources on the supply and possession of these substances police are able to mitigate further anti-social activity and reduce the harm to the community," said Detective Inspector Winter. The decrease in Property Damage offences was driven entirely by Wilful Damage offences, which decreased by 45 offences from last year. "Traditionally this type of crime reporting is high due to Police asking the public to report all damage, no matter how minor, so we can allocate resources to directly impact on the problem. The Richmond Community Patrol initiative between Community Members, Police and Tasman District Council is a major contributing factor to the reduction in reported damage in the Waimea area. Working closely with Police patrols in the weekend, they have become an extra set of eyes and ears for the deterrence, prevention and detection of offences. Recorded Dishonesty offences increased 15 percent in 2009, driven mainly by increases in Burglary (+230 offences), Theft (+196 offences), and Car Conversion (+83 offences) offences. Due to the current high price for scrap metal, Burglaries and Thefts involving Scrap Metal, especially copper, have increased in Nelson Bays. Teenagers supporting drug and alcohol habits have also contributed to the increase in recorded offending as they steal items, often difficult to identify, that they can trade for cash or drugs to support their habits. Both Rural and Urban addresses have had increases in reported offences attributed to several active groups. Because a number of these offences have occurred to insecure properties by offenders being opportunistic, Police stress the importance of the public locking their vehicles and homes and using their common sense to deter criminal behaviour. Source http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/22779.html
Hibiscus Coast (Whangaparoa) Community patrollers recognised in Police ParadeTribute has been paid to Rodney police and those who support them by some of New Zealand's top cops. Bravery, commitment, years of service and more were recognised at the annual Rodney police pay parade and awards ceremony in Whangaparaoa on Friday. Pay parades are based on a tradition where police used to march in full uniform from their barracks to the local magistrate's office for inspection and to receive their fortnightly pay. The idea has been revived as a day of commemoration. About 60 police, civilian supporters and the New Zealand Police Auckland Pipe Band marched from Whangaparaoa station to the Whangaparaoa Plaza. There they were inspected by police commissioner Howard Broad, assistant commissioner Steve Shortland, Waitemata commander superintendent Bill Searle and Rodney commander inspector Janet Hope. Hibiscus Coast community patrollers Anthony Lewis and Bryan Fitzpatrick received District Commander's Commendation for their actions in helping police during an illegal street racing incident in Whangaparaoa in August. Their actions demonstrated commitment beyond the expectations of community patrol volunteers in a situation of notable personal risk, their citation says. Kumeu constable Martyn Spear and detective Nicholas Poland, of Orewa, received the Commissioner's Commendation for bravery and commitment in Timor Leste in 2008. Mr Poland investigated the attempted assassination of Timor Leste's president and prime minister and contributed to 20 arrests. Mr Spear's award was for showing courage during a volatile incident where one of two drunk Timorese police officers threatened to kill two local police. The drunk officer thrust his bayonet at one man and Mr Spear separated them and convinced one to hand over his pistol. Two New Zealand colleagues helped Mr Spear restrain and disarm the other man. Sergeant Jamie Bissett of the Orewa police was acknowledged for his work in the prosecution of Abbinesh Sharma after a 2007 homicide involving 16-month-old Sachin Dhani. Civilians to rate special mention included Rodney District Council road safety co-ordinator Jacki Dawson, John Boocock and Dennis Richards. Ms Dawson's certificate of appreciation was for outstanding service to traffic safety education and support of police education staff. Mr Boocock's award was for exceptional and long-standing support of youth at risk on the Hibiscus Coast. Ad Feedback Mr Richards of Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort earned recognition for enthusiastic and long-running support for police community activities and programmes in Rodney. Police leaders thanked and acknowledged police, emergency services and community members for their work and dedication, and also recognised the support of their families and partners. "What we are presenting is only the tip of the iceberg of actions you do every day," Waitemata commander Bill Searle told the gathering. Rodney MP Lockwood Smith and mayor Penny Webster added their thanks and commended those attending for a job well done. Commissioner Howard Broad spoke of the concerns families must have for the safety of members working at the crime coal face, but said Rodney was a "nice part of New Zealand" and "quite a safe place" because of the police and community work in the district. Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/3487571/Tributes-for-police Call for CrimefightersThe police want members of the community to be their eyes and ears. Newly appointed community constable Ian Anderson says a community patrol will do well in a tight-knit community such as Dargaville. CIVIC AWARDS CEREMONY Above is the photo capturing the presentation event, for Police Officer William Taua. Presented by His Worship The Mayor of Hamilton Mr. R Simcock. FOR SERVICES TO COMMUNITY OVER AND ABOVE ROLE AS POLICE OFFICER. The event was attended by Chairman Robert Fowler and National Council Executive Officer Laurie Drummond for Community Patrols of New Zealand. Photo from left Sergeant Paul Francis, Chairman Robert Fowler Police Officer William Taua, Executive Officer Laurie Drummond, and Inspector Marcus Lynam Robert Fowler A life too short but lived to the fullCommunity patrollers around New Zealand were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Dallas Crampton on Sunday 28 June while holidaying with his family in Greytown. Dallas was 46. Dallas was a regular at National Training Seminars. Patrollers who attended the 2008 National Training Seminar will remember the inspirational presentations made by Dallas and members of his Waitangirua Action Group graffiti removal programme. Dallas had other commitments and was only able to make it to the first day of the National Training Seminar this year. Dallas was the Community Safety Project Manager employed by the Porirua Healthy Safer City Trust. His role included managing the Porirua Community Guardians, coordinating Porirua City's application for World Health Organisation accreditation as a 'Safe Community' (achieved in 2008) and managing the Waitangirua Action Group graffiti removal programme. He was an avid supporter of safe urban design principles, advocating and implementing changes to enhance community safety. With a building background, Dallas studied horticulture and landscaping prior to joining the New Zealand Police where he worked for 18 years and was a sergeant. Dallas had a Diploma in Police Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. A service to celebrate Dallas' life was held in the Elim Church in Porirua on Friday 3 July. The Porirua Community Guardians turned out in their distinctive green jackets and their banner was proudly displayed on the stage. Tributes to the packed congregation included Mayor Jenny Brash. The family asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Porirua Community Guardians. CPNZ DVD awarded 2nd placeIt’s our pleasure to announce that the CPNZ DVD, Building Safer Communities, was awarded 2nd place (not for profit category) in the 30th Annual Telly Awards in Los Angeles. The Telly Awards attracts over 14 000 international entries every year and is a highly respected and competitive festival. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, interactive agencies, and corporate video departments in the world. BOP Newsletters:
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