Otangarei policing team to make impact

A team of experienced officers set to walk the beat in Otangarei aim to work with the community to reduce crime.

The squad, dubbed the neighbourhood policing team, will replace the community safety team that has been operating in the suburb for nearly three years.

The six-strong team are into the second week of a month-long specialised training programme and are already experiencing the benefits of patrolling as a unit.

Sergeant James McCullough said that about 11.15am yesterday reports of a motorbike on the sports fields were made. The squad left the training room, went to the field, blocked all the exits and managed to catch the motorbike rider.

He hopes by patrolling as a team they will become a more visible deterrent in the suburb.

Another team will be on the beat in Kaitaia and will be among 20 in place around the country by the end of December.

The initiative follows a trial that started in Counties-Manukau last year, where 12 police teams were established. Police identified crime hotspots and hope the teams will work with communities to create safe and secure neighbourhoods.

Otangarei has had its share of challenges, with many residents transient and unemployed.

When the community safety team started in 2008, police supplied a figure that showed the suburb had 3 per cent of the city's population and 10 per cent of the crime.

Mr McCullough said a community panel would be established, with about 10 members, whom police would consult closely. Once the team was walking the beat, a plan to address major issues would be developed with input from the panel.

He said the team would benefit from strong links already established by police over the past three years. In the past, members of the team had been pulled away to help with other police duties in Whangarei.

Mr McCullough said the team would still help out but their primary focus would be policing Otangarei as a six-strong unit, which would enable them to be more proactive.

Acting Northland crime manager Inspector Paul Dimery, leading the implementation of the teams, said they would focus on reducing crime, preventing victimisation, improving perceptions of safety and increasing trust and confidence in police. "This is the future of policing, which is moving towards a more preventative style. It is about being more proactive in our communities and having less victims of crime," Mr Dimery said.