In this issue, there's a range of new initiatives reaffirming Police's presence in the community - a new mobile Police station; new booze buses; and a new look for all marked Police vehicles.

There's a profile on one of the seven Rural Liaison Officers operating in Central District. Constable Neil Martin sees himself as a "magician" and a "facilitator" getting into the heart of the vast rural community he serves.

At the other end of the geographic spectrum, there's a husband and wife team who are giving something back to their neighbourhood as community patrol volunteers in Richmond, Nelson.

On the theme of giving something back, a Hawke's Bay operation targets the return of stolen road signs on a 'no questions asked' amnesty basis; while in Taranaki, adults are providing their valuable time to mentor youth in need of a role model in their lives.

Rob Lee
Acting Editor Ten-One

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Mobile police station a rolling problem-solver

Counties Manukau's new Mobile Police Station (MPS) has already been put to extensive use, after becoming operational in the district in late January.

Vehicles move to single livery

Following a review of the current vehicle livery, the Police Executive has agreed all marked Police vehicles will sport a single livery. All vehicles will now carry a blue/yellow half battenberg livery, replacing the full battenberg check design currently in either blue/yellow or blue/orange on marked vehicles.

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New hi-tech booze buses up the ante

NZ Police recently took delivery of two new ‘super-sized’ booze buses, now in operation on the streets of Auckland.

Built in Australia, the buses are intended to supplement existing stock. They provide state-of-the-art technology, safer and more spacious work areas and an eye-catching new livery.

Community policing goes rural

Seven Rural Liaison Officers (RLOs) are now in place in Central district, helping police the communities which occupy the extensive rural areas.

The officers have an important brief, delivering a consistent proactive and preventative approach to meet the needs of rural communities.

Eyes and ears in the community

Residents of Richmond, Nelson, are helping take ownership of their neighbourhood.

In September last year, locals set up their own community patrol, after becoming frustrated by the constant nuisance offending, including vandalism, boy racers, graffiti and youths drinking alcohol in public reserves.

Youth mentors build bridges

A ‘Big Brothers, Big Sisters’ (BBBS) youth mentoring programme now underway in Taranaki, is matching young with old in a bid to provide some positive, stable and independent role models.

The programme has been operating in other parts of New Zealand for a number of years, and Police have played a key role in its establishment and operation.

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Operation Lollipop – a sign of the times

A chance conversation with a fellow rugby player has seen Hastings Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard lead two unique operations, recovering $70,000 worth of stolen property.

After a game, a roading contractor team mate was lamenting the theft of road signs and road cones around Hastings, resulting in $60,000 annual replacement costs for his firm.