The prospects of establishing a community patrol in Kaitaia received a major boost earlier this year with the arrival of Constable Jeff Phillips, who had been involved in a very successful effort in West Auckland.
Now the patrol is well and truly on the road, complete with a marked car and 28 certificated patrollers, ranging in age from 17 to "quite old really". There's plenty room for more - Constable Phillips would like a roster of at least 60 - but the foundations have been laid, with strong community support.
Archibald's provided the car, Signs of Life took care of the marking, the Mobil service station keeps the tank full, AMI has insured it, and contributions are also being made by Pak'nSave, the Kaitaia Business Association, Repco, Midway Automotive, the Kaitaia RSA, the Far North District Council and the Far North Safer Community Council.
Patrols cover the entire town, from South Road to North Road, with two patrol members in the car at all times, and always in radio contact with the police station.
Patrols are conducted day and/or night, with no set schedules, sufficiently flexible to make use of whatever time any individual is able to give.
"The idea is to nip trouble in the bud," Constable Phillips said.
"It's all part of the prevention first strategy, and the important thing is that it's sustainable. If we can get 60 volunteers each individual might only be looking at a few hours a month."
It hadn't taken long to get results, he added. One boy-racer had already been charged, and another was about to have his shoulder tapped.
The patrol was also part of a broader campaign aimed at making Kaitaia a safer place, the major component of that being a much improved CCTV system, to be installed in conjunction with the business association and property owners.
The new system, which would cost more than $250,000, would be constantly monitored at the police station.
"One person will be able to sit at the station and watch the whole town," Constable Phillipps said.
"Again, it's about being proactive, about getting to people while they're still at the lurking stage. We will want to know what they're doing in the street at 2am, before they commit an offence."
He was receiving a very positive response from the business community, some donating towards the cost, some offering time, others offering camera sites.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the cost of the cameras was welcome to do so at the ANZ (account 06-0337-0041350-30), or by contacting the KBA (on (021) 060-7994, email kbainc@xtra.co.nz). Constable Phillipps can be contacted at the police station (phone (09) 408-6500) or at jpay56@police.govt.nz.