Constable Jayne Gorinski has returned to give something back to the Limited Service Volunteer Scheme (LSV) she graduated from 13 years ago.
The Wellington Police Officer has just spent the last three weeks as a Police Mentor on the NZ-Defence run programme for young people who need assistance with motivation and direction.
The LSV scheme celebrates its fourth graduation that Police have been involved in tomorrow morning at the Trentham Military Camp.
"It's an awesome programme for young people who need direction and motivation. The programme teaches you essential skills such as leadership and discipline which are important in life, especially if you are looking at a career in the Police", says Jayne.
The key focus of the programme is to encourage, motivate and support individuals by assisting them with developing their skills and setting goals. The Police presence in the LSV scheme is to provide individuals with a non-confrontational view of Police as mentors.
Acting National Manager Community Policing, Inspector Carey Griffiths says providing continuing guidance and advice to young people is vital and the Police mentor's role enables us to do this by fostering positive relationships built on trust and support.
The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and the training and vocational support is delivered by the New Zealand Defence Force and supported by Police.
The Police Mentoring role provides an opportunity for Police Officers to gain experience in working with NZ youth and enhance the effectiveness of the LSV scheme.
"The Police presence is great because we are real people who are approachable and we are there to help breakdown the negative stigma that is sometimes associated with police. Our primary aim in the scheme is not enforcement, it's about support", says Jayne.
Upcoming developments in the LSV programme include the official openings of two new Youth Development Units at Trentham and Hobsonville Military Camps in early June.
ENDS
Media Note
The graduation starts at 11am on Saturday, 22 May at the Youth Development Unit, Somme Rd, Trentham, (just past the YMCA.) Media are welcome to attend.
Media contact:
Sara Stavropoulos
Media Advisor, Public Affairs, PNHQ
04 470 7031 or 027 250 7944