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Thread ID: 136661	2014-03-28 03:54:00	Valedictory from the Police Commissioner March 2014	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1371463	2014-03-28 03:54:00	Once more, with feeling... 27th March 2014 By Police Commissioner Peter Marshall This is my 78th and final blog and I take this opportunity to thank the men and women of New Zealand Police for their professional and social interactions with me during the three years of my commissionership. I conclude duty - going Ten-zero - at midnight on Wednesday 2 April. I'll be going back to my home in Auckland where I essentially haven't lived for more than 11 years, after two years in Washington DC, four in the Solomon Islands and two stints in Wellington. There'll be a few hedges, lawns and trees to cut. I'm going to Europe for eight weeks, then returning to Auckland, and have nothing much planned for the next 30 or so years! (see attached picture) When I look back over the past three years there has been significant change in how we do business, particularly involving Policing Excellence workstreams about which I've written many times. We've seen a restructure of the HR and Finance environments and initiatives such as improved access to firearms, Tasers and ballistic armour in vehicles; compulsory Physical Competency Test (PCT); officer safety alarms; the Meritorious Service Medal and Canterbury citation; and the reduction of paperwork for frontline staff. Most of the 12 district commanders have changed in the past 36 months and there was also a change in their reporting lines. We've insisted on change to disciplinary processes so internal employment inquiries can run simultaneously with criminal investigations, with decisions made as and when necessary. And don't forget the boots! All the while Police has managed its resources prudently, while retaining political and public confidence, with the crime rate falling and the road toll being the lowest since records began. I am proud that Police puts victims at the heart of what we do. These achievements are a tribute to each of this organisation's 12,000 members. It's fundamental that the Commissioner and Executive should have an innate interest in the wellbeing of staff. The most important aspect for me as Commissioner has been the opportunity to meet our employees and do my best for their welfare. I could have spent all day working on correspondence on the eighth floor at Police National Headquarters but I made a commitment in 2011 that I would be out and about trying to reconnect headquarters with staff in the districts. They can judge whether that's been successful. Each of the initiatives and developments I've mentioned had the interests of our members to the fore. Many have told me the policy relating to the PCT, for instance, has markedly changed their lives in terms of dietary, exercise and related habits. One told me he had changed his lifestyle to the extent that he was able to pass the PCT for the first time since 1995. The tributes to fallen officers, which are posted online on the anniversary of their deaths on duty, are another example of the Police Executive's interest in staff and their safety. It is of the greatest satisfaction that we haven't lost anyone on duty since 2009, and long may that continue. With 12,000 employees it's clear we're not going to please everybody all the time but members of the Police Executive have their hearts in the right place and the highest ethical standards. This includes an absolute commitment to front the media on issues - not letting a vacuum occur or letting misinformation take root, and not being overly apologetic. Most of the time we have little to apologise for - but if we've done something wrong we'll put our hands up. It's also about the public we serve - and public satisfaction with Police services is now at 83 percent. In a free society we police by consent, which makes it essential that we maintain public confidence. It's an important measure of political confidence that the Government saw fit to appoint a member of the Police Executive, namely Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush, to the role of 32nd Commissioner of New Zealand Police. As I've mentioned before, they would have had a difficult task as any of the Executive members who applied could have taken on the job. Mike Bush will be an excellent Commissioner. In nearly 42 years with Police I can't remember a time when the organisation had such personable, presentable, competent and energetic managers and senior executives. We face challenges but I've no doubt we stand head and shoulders above most other law enforcement organisations around the world. I began walking the beat in 1972 and during my career have met kings and presidents, along with some of society's least desirable citizens - such is the variety and opportunity this organisation offers. Would I recommend a New Zealand Police career? Absolutely! Thank you for your continuing support for New Zealand Police. I'll be watching from the sidelines - and watching with distinct interest. Once more, with feeling... stay safe and look after each other! A bloody good bloke who's done a fine job. I wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement. :thumbs: (By the way Pete, can you fix my latest speeding ticket for me before you go?) :lol:	WalOne (4202)
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