Assistant Commissioner Operations Nick Perry is pleased that a review of the Civil Defence Emergency Management response into the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake highlights the “significant leadership role” Police played during the unprecedented national civil emergency.
The review, sought by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management released today, looks at the response and recovery effort across all agencies involved.
“Today’s report recognizes the vital role the New Zealand Police performed and contains much useful feedback,” Mr Perry said.
“I am extremely proud of all of our staff involved in the Canterbury earthquake response, whether in the frontline on the ground in Christchurch, in supporting roles, or looking after business as usual policing services. Their courage, dedication and professionalism during this unprecedented event cannot be under estimated and was in the finest traditions of the New Zealand Police.”
Mr Perry said it was pleasing that the report had identified many areas where Police had performed well. This included praise for collaboration with other agencies, command arrangements, quality of information, the deployment of Australian Police, as well as crime reduction efforts, disaster victim identification and public support and reassurance.
“Importantly, the reviewers also acknowledged that in effect Police were running three ‘campaigns’ simultaneously during the response, which included the Christchurch CBD response, community policing in the suburbs, and maintenance of business as usual functions in non-affected areas, which led to ‘effective policing and information gathering’.”
“The work of the Disaster Victim Identification team and Police Family Liaison Officers in particular was also acknowledged. The way in which these teams worked with the families of the 185 victims was outstanding,” Mr Perry said. “The reviewers praised their efforts, which they noted were effective, sensitive and greatly assisted already traumatised families.”
Mr Perry said the report’s four recommendations relating to improvements for Police had been responded to.
“There are lessons in the review for all agencies. In any review of a response of this scale, we would expect there to be things we can improve on and we have accepted that and made changes where necessary.”
Meanwhile, Mr Perry said another pleasing aspect of the report was its acknowledgement of staff like New Brighton Police Senior Sergeant Roy Appley, whose exemplary leadership assisted badly affected Eastern suburbs residents get back on their feet and established the station as a beacon for the community.
“This is just one example of the tremendous contribution made by so many of our staff, who despite also being personally impacted by the tragic events of February 22nd, just got on with the job, working tirelessly to help others and keep the community safe,” Mr Perry said.
ENDS
Media note: A/C Perry is available for media interviews between 12.00-1.00 pm today.
Media Contact: Ross Henderson, Police Media, ph 04 470 7316 or 027 703 7329.