Friday, 15 June 2007 - 11:12am |
Wellington

Public invited to discuss future of policing

2 min read

Wellington District Police are inviting members of the public to attend meetings to discuss the future of policing in New Zealand.

The meetings are part of the review of the 1958 Police Act, announced by the government in March last year.

During June and July this year, police around New Zealand are undertaking public consultation on proposed changes to the nearly 50-year-old Police Act.

Meetings follow release of the government's public discussion document - Policing Directions in New Zealand for the 21st Century - which will help shape legislation to guide New Zealand policing for the future.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Pieri Munro says policing touches peoples' lives in many different ways, and he encourages Wellington District residents to have their say in how policing is organised and delivered.

"While some parts of the 1958 Police Act remain useful today, new legislation needs to recognise that modern-day policing has changed a great deal.

"Compared to 50 years ago, today's society is more open. Family and community relationships have evolved and technological advances and globalisation have brought high-speed communications, more outward-looking citizens, and new forms of crime which threaten people's security.

"This underlines the importance of as many people as possible, from all walks of life, providing their views on what sort of policing they want and expect," says Superintendent Munro.

Hardcopies of the discussion document have been distributed to public libraries and police stations and are available for reference at these locations.

The website outlines how the public can provide input, including an online form.

Summary versions of the discussion document are also available from the Police Act website in a range of languages.

Responses to the discussion document must be provided by 31 July this year.

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POLICE ACT REVIEW PUBLIC MEETINGS:

WELLINGTON

Tuesday 26 June

7.00-8.30pm

Duxton Hotel

170 Wakefield Street

Duxton Chambers 1 (access from hotel lobby, or from James Smith Car Park take lift to level 8).

MASTERTON

Thursday 28 June

7.00-8.30pm

Masterton District Council building

Frank Cody Room

UPPER HUTT

Monday 2 July

7.00-8.30pm

Upper Hutt City Council building

Civil Defence Room

PORIRUA

Tuesday 3 July

7.00-8.30pm

Porirua City Council building

6th Floor Conference Room (Hagley Street entrance)

LOWER HUTT

Wednesday 4 July

7.00-8.30pm

Salvation Army Crossroads Hall

Cnr Kings Crescent & Cornwall Street

Lower Hutt

PARAPARAUMU

Thursday 5 July

7.00-8.30pm

Kapiti Community Centre

15 Ngahina Street

Paraparaumu

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For more information please contact Toni Barlow, Tel: 04 496 3464.