Implementation of a new project which includes the recruitment and deployment of 300 extra police staff for Counties Manukau is now under way.
Superintendent Mike Bush, Counties Manukau District Commander, welcomes the additional staff and the policing strategies which are being designed and implemented to take Counties Manukau into the future.
"Already 64 of the 300 extra staff have been recruited and deployed. We're confident that the resource allocation, some changes in the way we use staff and other innovative ideas being considered by the project team will provide a strong platform for us to be a visible and effective policing presence in our community."
All Policing Districts are measured annually against performance range targets set by the Commissioner. Between 2007 and 2008 Counties Manukau Police District had a recorded increase of all crime of 16.7%, compared to a national increase of 0.7%.
The 300 extra staff announced by Government are to be recruited and deployed by December 2010. The Counties Manukau Police District Management team along with Police National Headquarters will work together on how the staff will be deployed.
There are two phases for this work. Phase one has been a review of Counties District, "Planning for more police staff in Counties Manukau". This review was undertaken by Neville Stokes, a retired Detective Superintendent.
The review has been studied by the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner Operations, and the Police National Executive, and the recommendations accepted. A copy of Mr Stokes' report is available on the police website: www.police.govt.nz/resources.
Phase two is the implementation phase. This will confirm the decided policing model and determine numbers of staff to be allocated to specific groups. Implementation of the new model will be phased in over time with completion by December 2010.
There are four work streams that are part of this development:
Allocation of Resources: All extra staff, buildings and vehicles will be deployed where they will be of most value. Workstream headed by Superintendent
Graham Emery.
Productivity: How we do police business will be examined and where necessary improvements will be made to ensure police staff are used efficiently and effectively. Work stream headed by Inspector Dave Montgomery.
Demand Reduction: To make a real difference demand has to be reduced. A strategy to emphasise "proactive" initiatives, high visibility and reassurance to our community will be developed and implemented. This project is headed by Inspector Allan Shearer.
Change Facilitation: The project will require police staff to change the way they think about business. All police staff are encouraged to participate in and contribute to this new direction for Counties Manukau Police District. This aspect is headed by Inspector Bruce Bird.
A copy of the review by Mr Stokes 'Planning for More Police in Counties Manukau' is on the police website: www.police.govt.nz/resources
Ends
Released by:
Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey
Counties Manukau District Communications Manager
tel 09 259 0653 or 027 434 2218