Latest crime statistics reflect good practice

The latest crime statistics, for the year to 30 June 2004, record the best resolution rate for 20 years.

“ A 4.7 PERCENT drop in recorded crime and resolutions of 45.1 percent show our strategies and efforts are really starting to pay dividends,” says Commissioner Rob Robinson. All 12 districts recorded reductions in overall crime rate per head of population. Highlighted below are just a few examples of ‘good practice procedures’ which helped to achieve this year’s results.
Auckland City District: Auckland achieved a 30 percent reduction in theft ex-cars. Policing Development Manager Inspector John Mitchell says that was due to six key factors.

1. A pilot project was held in conjunction with the local city council to improve the safety of car parks. Car park operators who take steps to reduce risks can have their site accredited as a ‘safe’ parking location.
   
2. Two proactive youth aid officer positions were established at the Downtown station. Their role is to patrol for unsupervised youth on Thursday-Saturday nights after 9pm. John says hundreds of young people come into the city from the suburbs looking to commit crimes.
   
3. The Mäori Warden group Matapihi Tirohanga has been revitalised. They patrol the CBD after hours Thursday-Saturday and provide a van to drive home youth picked up by the youth aid officers.
   
4. Improved reporting procedures have been introduced, including providing more detail on forms.
   
5. The Auckland City Council has provided $1 million to upgrade the CCTV network in the CBD.
   
6. A liquor ban was established late last year over Thursday-Saturday nights.

Northland District: In the Far North Area of Northland District, a whole-of-policing approach has resulted in a 27 percent reduction in vehicle theft over the past year. “Each group has a role to play,” says Area Commander Inspector Mike Rusbatch. Intelligence Led Policing and Problem Oriented Policing, along with strategic and tactical assessments were the backbone to local efforts. “We have structured tactical meetings at local levels where we focus on recidivist road policing offenders and those that have a propensity to commit vehicle crime. All our staff participate in the identification of at-risk or active offenders. Informant information has proven to be successful in breaking up car rings. Road Policing staff also play a key role. One officer, Constable Marc Black from STU, recovered nine stolen vehicles this past year, after attending Intel briefings and being particularly vigilant with licence plates.”

Eastern District: Over the past year Eastern District implemented a police management model (eCRIM) based on the UK National Intelligence Model. “We believe it has contributed to our lowest recorded crime and highest resolution rates in 10 years,” says District Commander, Super-intendent Grant Nicholls. Eastern achieved a four percent reduction in recorded crime and a resolution rate of 52 percent. For more on the model see Ten-One No 262, 25 June 2004 or call Grant on ext 67000.

Tasman District: Tasman District Policing Development Manager John Robinson says a combination of leadership and management decisions was the reason behind a 35 percent resolution rate for burglary dwelling. “We targeted strategic crime reduction with intel led procedures and processes put in place to support this, however it was our committed competent staff focused on achieving results that made the difference.” John has compiled a paper on the reasons behind burglary dwelling resolutions and this is available electronically to staff.

Canterbury District: Tïmaru has undertaken to sustain the removal of organised crime. A long term initiative to target gangs and the resultant crime has achieved a 26 percent reduction in crime. “It effectively takes a whole-of-policing approach which has seen a sustained clearance rate of 54 percent,” says Inspector Dave Gaskin, Area Commander for Mid-South Canterbury.

“ The enthusiasm of the staff and community cooperation have assisted. My staff live in my area and most people have kids at the local schools. They want to make it a better place to live – there is an ownership of the town and problems.”

Dave says there is great support from local community groups, particularly the Safer Community Council. For more information contact him on ext 35001.