Night patrol & police meet

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 549, 16 August 1994, Page 7

Night patrol & police meet

By

Noeline

Churton

A disappointing turn-out greeted organisers of a meeting to discuss the problem of crime in Raetihi with the police, held at the Waimarino Club Hall on 1 August. The members of the night patrol group were well represented and a very informative meeting was held under the chairmanship of John Compton. Present were District Commander Superintendent A Waugh, Wanganui Area Commander Inspector J Hollaway of Taumarunui, Senior Sergeant Ross Bielby of Taihape, Sergeant Bob Evans, and Constable S Hart of Raetihi. Superintendent Waugh addressed the meeting on: youth and community, listening to the community, self-help and a safer community by working together. He said the police station in Ohakune covers the whole of the Waimarino area making it a large area controlled from Ohakune. There are 59 night patrols operating throughout New Zealand and most of them are in small rural towns, giving support and help to the police. A request was made that for a more visible sign of the police that would help the community feel that it had not been abandoned. Raetihi night patrol has the support of the police and has been of help to the police since it has been operating, the meeting heard. Night patrol members have been made aware of avenues that are available to them for financial help and support to help with the running of the service. A donation of $250 was made to the night patrol along with two service jackets for use by night patrol members while on duty. They will identify the night patrol person on duty as well as keep them warm. A familiarisation session was held on Sunday at the club which proved very successful.