The death of Nelson policewoman Lyn Fleming has weighed on the minds of officers, Northland’s top cop says.
Public concern for the safety of frontline police has been mounting since Fleming, 62, was struck by a vehicle in central Nelson on New Year’s Day.
A 32-year-old Tasman man accused of her murder has been remanded in custody until February 14.
Northland district commander Superintendent Matthew Srhoj said the effects of Fleming’s death were felt nationwide.
Messages of support and sympathy for police had followed in the days after. As had worries about how safe the country’s police are.
These fears hit close to home on Saturday when two Northland police officers were among the four people injured after they were struck by a car on State Highway 14 in Whangārei.
Police suspected alcohol was a factor and that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.
Srhoj alleviated fears the officers had been targeted by saying it was a coincidence officers were hurt - it could have been anybody.
However, Northland police have been in the firing line.
A woman allegedly assaulted two officers while being arrested on January 5.
In December, Whangārei officers narrowly escaped injury after their patrol vehicle was rammed following an aggravated robbery.
Before that, an officer was seriously injured when 50-year-old Taniora Peri allegedly assaulted the policeman with a weapon during a callout in Waimā.
Police Association president Chris Cahill said around 45% of its members have been confronted with a weapon while on the job.
They had also encountered thousands of assaults.
“It’s a pretty common risk that members face, unfortunately,” Cahill said.
In the last five weeks in Northland, 10 people have been charged with assaulting police.
Srhoj said around 95% of the assaults against Northland police in the last year were considered minor.
“That can be being spat at, being pushed, and then that sort of elevates to being punched.”
He said assaults often happened during emotionally charged situations or when drugs and alcohol were involved, and people struggling with mental health issues were more likely to assault officers.
According to Cahill, charges for minor assaults weren’t always laid.
The lack of acknowledgement for the harm caused could leave officers frustrated, he said.
Firearms were another risk Northland police faced.
Northland police have encountered 1092 firearms between December 2018 and April last year − the third lowest count of the 12 police districts.
Srhoj said it was more of a reality that firearms could be in vehicles but officers considered that when approaching motorists.
Police Association president Chris Cahill said policing was an unpredictable job.
“You’re on your guard but sometimes things can just erupt.”
Srhoj said summer was riskier for police because they attended more emergencies which carried elements of the unknown.
“I think there’s always a risk in the unplanned,” he said.
“Responding to emergencies always poses a greater risk than responding to planned events.”
However, Srhoj felt staff were better prepared than they were 10 years ago.
The shift had been sparked by the death of 27-year-old Auckland constable Matthew Hunt.
Hunt was gunned down by Eli Epiha during a routine traffic stop in West Auckland on June 19, 2020.
Srhoj said the improvements to frontline safety included risk assessments and taking more time to plan.
When it came to Northland, he explained that a vital part of keeping police safe was to ensure they had a strong relationship with the community.
“Our staff in those isolated places are very aware the person they’re going to be arresting today might be the person they might need help from tomorrow.
“The way they treat that person is exceptionally important,” Srhoj said.
Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.