Constable praised for work with youth

WORTHY RECIPIENT: Senior Constable Rowena Jones (centre) with Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard.

It's been a busy fortnight for Senior Constable Rowena Jones - not busting crime but collecting accolades.

The Kaitaia youth team leader has been honoured with three awards within two weeks.

The first came for her work with the Blue Light programme to keep young people safe and help them make the right choices.

On Thursday, August 27, Ms Jones was presented with the Blue Light Patron Award by the Deputy Police Commissioner Glenn Dunbier.

The nomination was made by Kaitaia Lions Club and Blue Light chief executive Rod Bell said Ms Jones had made a significant contribution to the youth in the area. "We have never had such incredible support and range of support letters for any winner previously," Mr Bell said.

A week later on Thursday September 3, Police Commissioner Mike Bush was in Kaitaia to present Ms Jones with the Northland Police Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation for her exemplary work during the past six months. Here, Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard spoke of her "enthusiasm and passion".

"You have also provided vision and drive and demonstrated you can be a pioneer, incorporating the Prevention First Policing model whilst engaging with your community," Ms Robilliard said.

The third award was from the St Johns division manager for Kaitaia who awarded Ms Jones Youth Leader of the Year for the Northern District. This was for volunteer work, separate from her police duties.

Ms Jones said it felt a little odd to be receiving so much praise but it was good to be recognised for work she enjoyed.

"Even after 19 years, I feel more enthused than ever," she said.

Typical of her enthusiam, she spent last Friday driving several youths from a Blue Light event in Auckland. "I just found my niche I think. I've always worked with youth and, with the Neighbourhood Policing Team postion, that has allowed me to work in community in a way that's different.

"It's not just about youth, it's about the whole community. It's prevention, it's relationship building, and it works. The work I do as a police officer for our young people is like a big jigsaw. I am just one piece and where I join with others, it is giving us a glimpse of what the big picture will look like."