KEY POINTS:
Police are supporting a proposal to have private security guards roaming the streets of Manukau, in a bid to prevent criminal activity.
After a spate of serious crime in South Auckland in the past month, a proposal has been made to the Manukau City Council for the introduction
of private security guards to join local police in patrolling the city.
Senior sergeant Denise Traill, of Counties Manukau Police, says anything which could contribute to crime prevention is welcomed by police.
"We support it in that anything that goes towards preventing and reducing crime - thereby making Manukau City safer - is an initiative we endorse.
"Our view is that we support the council's proposal for security guards," she said.
"People are asking them about what they're doing and this is what it is. We support their way of thinking around this initiative."
Counties Manukau Police have 747 sworn officers.
Councillor Dick Quax - the community safety portfolio leader - put the proposal forward, noting the concerns of local residents for community safety and the small number of police officers available.
"To some extent, the level of violence is a reflection of our society. We are a country that has high crime - it's not a safe place it's played out to be," Mr Quax said.
"It has reached this point. If you live in South Auckland, chances are you're going to be a victim of crime. We want to live in a society where you can walk around with your handbag freely.
"There are 730 sworn officers - one for every 616 people - it's low by New Zealand standards and by overseas standards it's quite low as well."
Mr Quax said the past month's crime activity in the Manukau area - in which three people were killed - was a sign for action.
He acknowledged police and other crime prevention schemes such as the Maori wardens, had contributed greatly to deterring would-be criminals.
But more needs to be done, he said.
"The police force now are highly dedicated and a very sufficient police force. But there's not enough of them.
"We believe we are short 200 police - but I don't think there would be 200 security guards out there, maybe 20 or so," Mr Quax said.
A health promoter for the Youth Non-Violence Project in Otara, Ala'imalo Lua Maynard, says privatising law enforcement was not the way to go, as it would not promote non-criminal acts.
"You're making it a business now. It becomes a profit-making business and you're not really concerned in rehabilitating - it's all about making money."
Mr Maynard said the presence of private security guards might deter and discourage youngsters from committing a crime, but it would be be a short-term solution.
He acknowledged it would be a better solution to educate youngsters not to commit crimes in the first place.
"It's way more cheaper to educate a guy so he doesn't do bad, rather than waiting for that and locking him up for 10 years - costing around $76,000 to incarcerate him.
"This is almost like an easy cop out. We need to look at a long-term preventative solution - support, education - we need to look upstream before they fall off the cliff."
