Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police mobile bases have been out and about in the community for two weeks now, and the feedback from the community has been positive.
“Locals are telling us they are valuing the ability to come and connect with us easily, and to voice any concerns they have,” says Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park.
“We also really value the connection and the conversations we’re having.”
The bases in Puketapu and Bay View have recently moved to new locations after discussion with local communities.
The Puketapu base has moved to South Puketapu, where concerned residents have let us know a greater presence would be welcome.
The Bay View base has moved to the BP service station on Main North Road to increase its visibility and accessibility.
We also know a large volume of people move through the BP daily, so being there is an opportunity to connect with a greater number of people.
The third base has been mobile on a daily basis, responding to any immediate needs identified in our communities.
An example of this is in Awatoto, where the base has visited for afternoons this week, and also in Pakowhai and Twyford as part of a mobile community interagency response.
“We know residents and business owners in Awatoto have recently been told they can’t return to their properties there due to contamination, and they’re understandably concerned about the safety of their properties in their absence,” says Superintendent Park.
“Connecting with them at our mobile base has let us hear these concerns and is helping us ensure we’re getting a good picture of what is happening on the ground, allowing us to respond as needed.
“Weeks after the cyclone, many people in Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti continue to face significant hardship and loss. Police are here to provide support and the feedback we’ve received to date acknowledging the hard work of local staff, and those brought in to assist, has been incredibly humbling.
“Our reassurance work has included staff actively helping with residents’ property clean up, welfare visits and sourcing other support.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
