Auckland City Police are no strangers to planning for big events and the work that went into the past week's pre and post G20 leaders' visits was no exception.
The district's Planning and Operations Group worked on arrangements around the three leaders' visits for several months but were able to remain flexible around visitors' last minute changes to schedules and the daily demands of 'business as usual' policing in the Auckland City District.
District Commander, Superintendent Richard Chambers, says Auckland City Police plans for literally hundreds of events and VIP visits a year, some of which are known about well in advance and others that crop up with little or no warning.
"I am proud of the professionalism of the staff who ensured that, not only did our visitors from Canada, Germany and China complete their schedules safely and efficiently, but they ensured those who live and work in and around the city could go about their business unimpeded by the motorcades and large entourages of those who came to Auckland in support of those world leaders.
"Operations the likes of which we have just hosted in Auckland are complex and challenging but, as a returning Aucklander, I have no doubt that our abilities to manage such operations proficiently on the world stage will give future international leaders the reassurance they need when planning to visit our city."
Mr Chambers said tomorrow night's Rolling Stones concert presents different challenges in terms of policing large crowds and ensuring the band and those who travel from near and far to see it perform, enjoy the best of what Auckland's got to offer, safely.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz