Central Otago's new community policing team will be out and about getting to know the community better next week.
Otago Rural Area Commander, Inspector Phil Jones, says the team will provide high visibility policing across the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes areas, ensuring that police have strong links with the region's tourist population.
"The team will be working with the tourism industry and locals alike to ensure that we provide a safe and inviting environment for locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful patch of the country. You will see these community constables at events, ski-fields and around the main tourist areas at all times of the day and at night," he says.
The highly-experienced team of Community Sergeant Andy Reed and Community Constables Sam Williams and Sean Boyd officially started on 28 July and is based in Alexandra. From early next week the team will be getting out and about in the community to meet with people, with an initial focus on getting to know local accommodation, tourism and business operators.
Team leader, Sergeant Andy Reed says the team's key role is to focus on preventing offending that relates to tourist-related crimes.
"We look forward to working with the Central Otago community to make it a better and safer place to live. We will be highly visible, and carry out foot and cycle patrols during peak tourist times," Community Sergeant Reed said.
Community Sergeant Andy Reed has 16 years' experience at Roxburgh, as well as time in Dunedin and Mosgiel. Community Constable Sam Williams has around 10 years' experience in both city and rural stations, including Cromwell. Community Constable Sean Boyd also has around 10 years' experience in city work, specialised car squad work and as a rural constable at Balclutha.
The three Central Otago community policing positions are a portion of the new community policing positions that are being established throughout the Southern District.
ENDS
For media inquiries please contact:
Andrew Reed, Community Sergeant, ph 027 217-8941