Forum Home
PC World Chat
Thread ID: 136546	2014-03-14 01:20:00	From the Police Commssioner March 14 2014	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1370075	2014-03-14 01:20:00	Well and truly on track 14th March 2014 By Police Commissioner Peter Marshall Now the identity of my successor as Commissioner is in the public arena, it's timely for me to offer personal congratulations to Mike Bush. I've every confidence Mike will be a fine 32nd Commissioner of New Zealand Police but, as I've said, I'm sure the Government had a difficult decision. Mike is right across the business, personable, energetic and motivated to ensure our organisation's progress continues. He has a deep interest in the wellbeing of staff and will be ably supported by one of New Zealand's most competent executive bodies. He'll take over with our Policing Excellence change programme well and truly on track. Less than four months before the formal completion of the programme on 30 June, it's clear we're moving from an embedding mode into a greater focus on results, with significant progress throughout the 12 Police districts. For my part, with two-and-a-half weeks left of my term I've been out and about visiting Christchurch, Nelson, Auckland City and Counties Manukau. This week I travel to Central and Eastern Districts. The Counties Manukau visit included a pay parade and award ceremony recognising police staff and members of the public. I wish media had attended in numbers to record the ceremony, which outlined courageous acts, diligent investigations and selfless service to the community. On the subject of selfless service, this week Police National Headquarters hosted the presentation of the first six Police Meritorious Service Medals - a wonderful occasion which meant a great deal to the four recipients and families of the two members receiving posthumous awards. The attached photograph shows the recipients - Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Hamilton, Mrs Anne Routledge, William Catterall (nephew of the late Sergeant Paddy Whiu), Kate Wilson (daughter of the late Superintendent Mike Wilson), Sergeant Wayne Panapa and Sergeant Terry Johnson. The next two weeks will see New Zealand Bravery Award presentations at Government House, Wellington, and in Auckland. It's always good to see staff honoured for exceptional work. I was pleased to see the latest monthly findings in the ongoing Citizen Satisfaction Survey showing overall satisfaction slightly up on the same time last year. Among many factors is undoubtedly 2013's record low road death toll. As of last Friday there were two fewer fatalities for the year to date than in the same period last year. That changed over a weekend which saw a number of terrible tragedies - I have urged police staff to maintain their vigilance as we must not lose the gains we've made. Police's sterling work in response to flooding in Canterbury is another indication of why we retain public confidence. It was good to see members in dinghies and fluorescent jackets out helping citizens. This is what is expected of police officers but the Police Executive is aware of the stresses on many staff members in Christchurch, who may have been out helping in the knowledge that their own homes were at risk. The outcome of the Mellory Manning murder trial, also in Christchurch, is another example of great police work. Well done to Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald, Detective Inspector Greg Williams and their team and best wishes to them for the continuing search for other offenders. Our sympathies are with all affected by in this appalling murder. We should also spare a thought for police staff dealing with a variety of recent sudden deaths, including those of children. The approach is thoroughly professional but there's no denying these are among our most difficult jobs. On a different tack, I was invited by the Prime Minister to attend a dinner in honour of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, who I came to know reasonably well during my four years in the 'Hapi Isles'. It was interesting to catch up with what's happening in the islands where Police has an ongoing commitment with 17 staff aligned to RAMSI. I'll write my 78th and final blog in a fortnight. In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other. :thumbs:	WalOne (4202)
1