He said they would be present at GLO Festival and other events throughout the region.
"There was a time in Rotorua when some of these events got overtaken by drunken hooligans and families were scared to come out, but now families are feeling safe and even older people are feeling much safer and it's a much more family orientated and safer environment."
He said if people were planning to drink it was important to have a plan to get home, including in the morning after.
"Just be very mindful that the body takes a while to digest alcohol, make sure you aren't still over the limit before you drive the next day.
"And in driving in general, the roads are busy. We ask drivers to have patience and respect other road users."
Mr Bullock said children were often told to beware of strangers and that lesson applied to adults over New Year's Eve.
"Be mindful of strangers and have your wits about you. I would like to enforce the need for friends to look out for each other," he said.
Central Lakes Area Commander Graham Fuller said there was always a risk of fire over the holiday period.
"Because of the season all fires must have permits and they need to be controlled so everyone lighting a bonfire should have a hose and a first aid kit ready.
"If you have a permit to light a bonfire, make sure it's extinguished before you go to bed.
"When it comes to barbecues ensure the gas is done up tight, check for leaks before lighting it. Keep children away when the barbecue is being used.
"If you are going to a fireworks display stand back and keep safe. When it comes to candles, make sure they are lit in an appropriate container and they are extinguished before going to bed."
St John Ambulance Lakes area acting territory manager Leisa Tocknell said her main piece of advice would be to know your limits when it came to alcohol.
"Don't mix your drinks and stay away from illegal substances. But, generally speaking Rotorua residents and visitors that come here are generally well behaved and we are definitely hoping for that again this year," she said.