POP involves the proactive identification and analysis of crime and disorder problems and the development, implementation, and robust assessment of effective responses. Internationally, POP conferences are held to recognise good practice in addressing crime and disorder.
Deputy Chief Executive Strategy Mark Evans says this year - the fourth year of the awards - there were a total of 19 entries. These included two entries from Service Centres for the first time - the Police Prosecutions Service and Online Child Exploitation across New Zealand (OCEANZ).
District and Service Centre entrants gave presentations on their work at three regional semi-final events.
“Each year the standard of entries has increased,” says Mark. “This year the standard of entries was exceptional, reflecting some inspirational initiatives being undertaken across the country to reduce crime and victimisation. Shortlisting the six finalists was a very difficult decision”.
The six finalists will make their presentations to a panel of judges comprising Deputy Chief Executive Strategy Mark Evans and Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls, representing Police; Colin Lynch, Deputy Chief Executive Justice Sector, Ministry of Justice; and Lorraine Mazerolle, Professor of Criminology, University of Queensland.
The final will be held at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Thursday 5 May.
THE FINALISTS
Wellington District: Wahi Pai
Analysis identified retail theft as a major problem in Porirua central business district, with Asian shopkeepers over-represented among victims. A multi-faceted approach saw police working with community groups, such as the Ngati Toa Māori Wardens to engage with retailers, working with businesses and partner organisations. The result has been a significant reduction in offending and victimisation and an improvement in feelings of safety.
Northland District: Community safety initiative for the Kaitaia Community
The Te Hiku o Te Ika NPT has developed collaborative approaches to prevent victimisation, with a focus on dishonesty offending. One successful initiative involved the NPT working with the Far North Safer Community Council to develop a community-owned organisation which monitors the CCTV system and deploys patrols to risk areas. Establishment of this organisation, in partnership with WINZ and MSD, has created nine new jobs.
Canterbury District: Facilitating Change in Male Perpetrators of Family Violence
North Canterbury Police identified a gap in services to male perpetrators of family violence. A working party including Police and government and non-government agencies developed Reach Out, a programme which ensures all men listed in family violence reports, not as victims, are contacted and engaged with. During the course of a comprehensive 12-month evaluation, no man that had come into contact with Reach Out had re-offended.
Counties Manukau District: Gandhi Nivas – Early Intervention
Analysis of Police Safety Order breaches by family violence offenders, identified that many men from South Asian communities would return to the family home rather than seek accommodation elsewhere because of the perceived shame. Police and community partners established Gandhi Nivas, an accommodation facility offering offenders 24-hour support. Of men referred by Police, 93 percent have not reoffended. Services are now available to all ethnicities.
Waikato District – Operation Daydream
Waikato Organised Crime Squad terminated Operation Daydream in rural Waikato and Counties Manukau to counter methamphetamine dealing and use. Analysis indicated a lack of community awareness about the drug so educational material was distributed and meetings organised to improve awareness, reduce demand, build community support and increase trust and confidence. Engaging with drug users helped broaden understanding of the environment, reduce demand and provide Intelligence.
Bay of Plenty District: Tikanga-based process to address Māori children and young people in the Justice process
Police and Tuhoe Hauora launched Oho Ake to help Māori children and young people in the Justice system reconnect with their identity, whakapapa and whānau. The response has influenced Government Strategy through the Youth Crime Action Plan 2013-2023. An independent review confirmed it was impacting reoffending and raising trust and confidence in Police, with rangatahi re-entering education or work environments, parents more engaged with them and substance misuse reduced.
Our picture shows Detective Ian Foster and Detective Scott Neilson, of Waikato District, presenting on Operation Daydream at the Eastern semi-final.