.A local campaign to prevent men from perpetrating further family violence has taken top honours in a national policing awards scheme that showcases officers’ innovative thinking.
Canterbury District has won the overall supreme Problem Orientated Policing (POP) award for helping to ensure all men listed in family reports, not as victims, are contacted and engaged with through a multi-agency programme called Reach Out, which started in 2012.
A comprehensive 12-month evaluation of that approach has found none of the men who had come into contact with Reach Out had re-offended.
To find there was zero reoffending is very heartening, with the results far outweighing our expectations, says Senior Constable Chris Hurring.
“It was a no-brainer. We were working with women and children but not speaking to the men to help them change their behaviour.”
Reach Out was developed when North Canterbury Police recognised a gap in services to male perpetrators of family violence.
Police, government agencies, non-government agencies, such as Aviva Family Violence, worked together to analyse the problem to create Reach Out.
Acting District Prevention Manager Inspector Corrie Parnell is delighted the district has won the award, but is equally impressed by his team.
“The whole team, including Senior Constable Chris Hurring and the chief executive of Aviva, Nicola Woodward, have put their heart and soul in this project. I am extremely proud of everyone’s commitment. This award recognises the entire team’s dedication and hard work.”
As well as winning the supreme Problem Orientated Policing (POP) award, Canterbury District also won the award for excellence in reducing repeat victimisations.
ENDS
Issued by Public Affairs - PNHQ