The final judging round of New Zealand’s Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Awards will be held in Christchurch on Thursday, 25 June.
Known as the POP Award - the honour recognises and rewards Police staff for excellence in addressing long term sustainable crime prevention and reduction.
Deputy Chief Executive Strategy for NZ Police, Mark Evans said this year was the third year the award had been running and entries were of a very high standard.
“This year in addition to our supreme award, three new awards have been introduced – Excellence in achieving collective impact, Excellence in reducing harm from the drivers of crime and Excellence in reducing repeat victimisation. With the addition of these new award categories, the number of entries has increased with 17 initiatives entered this year. A rigorous judging process has whittled the entries down to five, from Waikato, Counties Manukau, Waitemata, Southern and Eastern districts.
“Each year we have seen an increase in the quality of projects put forward. Every project is a real life example of how Police and their partner agencies make a difference in the communities they serve,” Mr Evans said.
“The finalists cover a diverse range of initiatives from changing the way we work with victims to raising awareness for visiting drivers”.
“The passion these officers have for their projects and their communities is inspiring and makes us all very proud of the work they do.”
“Last year’s winner was the Phillipstown Neighbourhood Policing Team which did an outstanding job of making Phillipstown a safer neighbourhood to live in cutting crime by 19%.” Mr Evans said.
The finalists will judged by a member of the Police Executive, assisted by frontline staff and visiting academics.
ENDS
Media note: Media are welcome to attend the awarding of the top prizes at 18:45pm, at the Christchurch Novotel.
For further information:
Jane Archibald
021 1922912