9. PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Can she provide an update on the Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team initiative that is focused on reducing crime, crashes, and disorder in priority neighbourhoods?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Yes. I am pleased to report that following the successful deployment of neighbourhood policing teams in Counties-Manukau, a further 18 teams are being trained for a nationwide roll-out of the initiative. Neighbourhood policing teams work in priority communities for 3 to 5 years alongside other Government agencies and partners to solve the problems of that neighbourhood. By the end of the year 30 teams will be working across priority communities in New Zealand to reduce crime, road accidents, and disorder by proactively focusing on prevention and demand reduction.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Link to this
Why have police adopted this new approach and what has been the community’s reaction to the teams in Counties-Manukau?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
The neighbourhood policing initiative is one of a range of common-sense initiatives that form the Policing Excellence programme. This programme aims to put resources where they are most needed, respond better to victims, and increase the focus on preventing crime and road accidents. Six neighbourhood policing teams were first deployed in Counties-Manukau in August last year. There are now 12 teams working across the district. The local reaction has been very positive. The communities have welcomed the opportunity to work with police to take ownership of the issues on their own patch.