The successful implementation of Policing Excellence means Police officers are now able to do their job better and faster.
Deputy Commissioner Operations and project sponsor, Mike Bush says Policing Excellence has introduced the broadest programme of change he’s seen in his 35-year career.
"Policing Excellence has enabled Police to become prevention and victim focused, highly mobile and visible, intelligently deployed and partnered with communities.
"In short, we have developed a new efficient and effective model of policing that changes how we work. And the achievements to date are significant."
They include:
• A 13% reduction in crime;
• a 27% reduction in prosecutions (primarily via Alternative Resolutions);
• the establishment of 34 Neighbourhood Policing Teams in priority neighbourhoods;
• 200 extra prevention roles created;
• the establishment of a single Crime Reporting Line;
• 12 new District Command Centres;
• a single stream-lined Case Management system; and
• The rollout of nearly 10 thousand mobile devices using Police-specific applications.
Constable Neil Gillespie from Hokitika today became the final frontline staff member to be issued with an iPhone as part of the district rollout of mobility devices.
Since early April 6259 officers have been issued with an iPhone. Of these, 3702 staff - who have more complex data entry requirements - have also been issued with an iPad.
Neil says having an iPhone and iPad will give him more information at the roadside and help him make better decisions.
"I will know about safety alerts, which will improve my own safety when I am working on my own. I can read jobs without going back to Hokitika station and have lots of tools with me out on the beat, such as maps, Facetime and email. This is great," says Neil.
Deputy Commissioner Bush says a further 12 months now lies ahead for Policing Excellence to become ‘business as usual’ throughout Police.
“During the past two years of implementation we’ve worked solidly toward achieving our targets of reducing recorded crime by 13%; reducing prosecutions by 19% and increasing prevention-focused policing by 4%.
“We have until June 2014 to reach these figures. During the next 12 months our focus will be on ensuring we maintain the momentum to hit these targets.
"When it is fully embedded by June 2014, New Zealand Police will be among the vanguard of law enforcement agencies delivering contemporary, fit-for-purpose policing services,” he says.
Please note a Policing Excellence Implementation Overview document is available on the Police website. (http://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/policing-exce...)
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Photo caption: Constable Neil GILLESPIE from Hokitika today became the final frontline staff member to be issued with an iPhone as part of the district rollout of mobility devices. (Picture available on police website www.police.govt.nz)
Media contact: Blair McLaren 027 672 2599
Staff feedback on mobility devices:
"On Friday, we attended a stabbing. The offender's name was provided by the victim and checked on the iPad. Staff arrived at a briefing where the 'maps' application was used to identify the scene of the crime, and the home address of the suspect. We were able to identify the layout, best approach to minimise scene contamination and where to park patrol vehicles to effectively contain both addresses of interest. It was also possible to use a colour photograph of the offender, so staff could quickly identify her. They proceeded to the address and entered the crime scene no more than 40 minutes after our initial contact with the victim. The team located the offender and the knife used at her home address. This was a great example of how mobility - alongside search and surveillance powers - can save time by not having to head back to base to obtain essential data when preparing to enter known crime scene."
“Today I was able to use the mobility device as a covert communications tool to apprehend an offender for deception. The offender had previously obtained money from an elderly gentleman. She arranged to meet him at [location removed]. I was able to keep the victim under surveillance and use the mobility device to covertly update COMMS as to my location, that I was well and had back-up. I was also able to use it to communicate with my back-up officer outside. He was able to be kept informed and was able to apprehend the offender outside. Covert tactics were used as we did not know who the offender was. It transpires… is an old hand at this and would have been acutely aware of police presence. Mobility was a great assistance.”
“Last night, I was dispatched to a 1L (Land Rescue) job at the Okuku Ranges where two hunters had been trapped in the ranges by the flooding Okuku River. The iPad enabled me to read the job, research the area and terrain by the 3d maps and direct other staff without the need to go back to the station saving valuable time. The Maps programme also offered accurate directions to get to the remote spot where the hunters where meant to be. Other than data issues in the remote areas of the Okuku Ranges I believe the device speed things up considerably and stopped the Hunters from having a long drawn out wet and cold night in the bush.”
