A review of West Coast Police service delivery has resulted in a proposal for change that will not reduce staffing numbers on the Coast.
The proposal document, which has been released for consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community today, does see some roles disestablished, however all staff numbers are retained and redeployed into key areas.
The establishment of a new Tactical Squad with a focus on organised crime is one of several proposals aimed at enhancing police service to the West Coast Area.
Tasman District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus said the desire to see a Tactical Squad was widely raised by staff during the review last year.
“Since 2011, under our national Prevention First Strategy, preventing crime and reducing the number of victims have become our core goals. This requires a significant change from traditional reactive policing and this proposal will align our resources to achieve those goals.
“The proposals have been driven by the thoughts and ideas of all West Coast Police staff and I believe they will improve the effectiveness of local policing now and looking forward to 2020,” Superintendent Malthus said.
Under the proposed structure eight positions would be disestablished and eight new positions created. The proposed Tactical Squad would include a Sergeant, a Detective and one other, and would report to the Area Manager Investigations based at Greymouth.
The role at Karamea would be disestablished, although a patrol base will remain and a Police presence would be managed seasonally. The structure of the current Prevention team would be changed to better match the drivers of crime, with a specific focus on family violence and alcohol harm reduction. A new prevention Sergeant’s position would be established at Greymouth, and an additional investigator covering serious crime would be established at Westport.
Police will now begin the process of consultation with staff, community and stakeholders. A final decision is expected by 31 March 2016.
Related documents:
West Coast service delivery proposal January 2016 (PDF)
Full considerations report - West Coast review October 2015 consultation (PDF)
West Coast Reference document overview (PDF)
Submissions on the proposal should be emailed to: WestCoastServiceDelivery.feedback@police.govt.nz
ENDS