Police focus on reducing crime in the community and providing reassurance will be given impetus with the appointment of Superintendent Bill Searle as National Manager: Community Policing said Assistant Commissioner Jon White.
"Last year, in conjunction with the Government, we announced the recruitment of an additional 250 staff for community policing as part of our Strategic Plan over the next three years," said Mr White.
"The appointment of Superintendent Searle will ensure the community policing initiative is coordinated and focused and its implementation will demonstrate our commitment to reducing crime and lifting the physical profile of police presence on the streets."
Superintendent Searle will take up his appointment next month and will be responsible for the development and management of the future direction of community policing, public reassurance, building partnerships with local government and community groups.
Superintendent Searle was recently involved with Deputy Commissioner Lyn Provost in the development of the community policing model and visited the UK and Europe to examine community policing good practice.
Prior to moving to Wellington in 2004 he was Policing Development Manager for the Waikato Police District where he was responsible for developing the District Crime Reduction, volume crime reduction, Responsiveness to Maori and Family Violence strategies.
He acted for the Waikato District Commander from time to time in his absence and relieved as Area Commander in Waikato West and Hamilton City. Prior to 2001 Superintendent Searle held several senior positions in the Counties Manukau District in South Auckland in operations and criminal investigations sections.
ENDS