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Thread ID: 135793	2013-12-12 19:40:00	From the Police Commissioner December 12	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1362399	2013-12-12 19:40:00	Great work from NZ's finest By Commissioner Peter Marshall 12th December 2013 In my last blog of 2013 I'd like to consider some of Police's recent achievements. We've welcomed news of Royal Honours, with eight Police members among 17 people receiving New Zealand Bravery Awards. I look forward to attending their investiture and hosting our members and their families at Police National Headquarters. We've seen other examples of the excellent work undertaken routinely by the men and women of New Zealand Police. Well done to Detective Inspector Greg Cramer and his team on Operation Manu, arising from the death of Lee McMurdo in Waitematä. It entailed 13 months of diligent investigation and resulted in two murder convictions. Similarly, well done to Constable Kim Burke, who jumped into the water at Queen's Wharf, Auckland, to support an intoxicated woman and a security guard who was trying to help her. Kim used her lifeguard training to keep both afloat for up to 15 minutes until the police launch Deodar arrived - a remarkable effort. On Sunday a homicide inquiry began after a man's body was found at Maketu. A vehicle was stopped by a dog handler, Senior Constable Kayne Cording, of Tauranga, whose sixth sense told him one passenger required particular attention. This individual was subsequently charged with murder. While we have a lot of technology, there's no substitute for experience. The Senior Constable's actions undoubtedly saved a huge amount of legwork and it was a pleasure to telephone and congratulate him. Last week saw the termination of Operation Ghost, with the seizure of enough precursors to make methamphetamine worth around $100 million, and assets worth an estimated $20 million. This sends the message that we will not tolerate organised crime - and its profits are not safe. Congratulations to all in Police, OFCANZ, Customs and the other contributing agencies. Another cause for satisfaction is the fall in the road toll, which today was 46 below 12 December 2102. Unless something extraordinarily tragic happens, 2013 will see the lowest toll on record. There have been fantastic district results - for example Waikato has more than halved its toll from 2012. Road safety was the motivation of our Coppers on Choppers - Constables Rob Gormly, Megan D'Oliveira and Grant Kenny - who pedalled from Cape Reinga to Wellington on Raleigh Chopper bikes, delivering cycle safety messages en route. I couldn't be there to welcome them yesterday but I applaud their commitment and stamina. A picture of their arrival is attached below. I also applaud the many staff who participated in White Ribbon events. Given the dismal level of family violence affecting New Zealand, it's great to see our officers' commitment to this cause. Also heartening was the first forum for female senior officers, which I addressed last week in Wellington. The organisers did a wonderful job, with 32 women attending and speakers including Police Minister Anne Tolley and ACC chair Paula Rebstock. Well done to all involved. Transparency International has again named New Zealand least corrupt country, alongside Denmark. As I've said before, there's a direct correlation between a country's lack of corruption and the professionalism of its police. Indications are that full trust and confidence in Police is likely to average 79 percent at year's end, up one percent from 2012. This reinforces my view that, despite some glitches, people see the big picture in terms of our contribution to their lives. We have tremendous support - but we must earn it. I saw evidence of how it's earned last Friday when I attended, with Minister Tolley, the Waikato pay parade where 70 Police members and others were honoured. On Tuesday I attended Wellington's pay parade and today I'm in Rotorua for a similar celebration of achievements. I was able to talk about achievements last week at the Mäori Select Committee hearing at Parliament. Yesterday the Deputy Commissioners and I appeared at the Law and Order Select Committee's Financial Estimates hearing. Both appearances involved an hour's questioning. Much preparation went into them and I'm pleased to say we represented Police well, receiving acknowledgement for our commitment. Looking ahead, next Wednesday the new Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act takes effect. Much of the offending we deal with is connected to alcohol abuse - as it was when I joined Police in 1972. I'll be based in Auckland over the holiday period, visiting police stations on Christmas Day and working a twilight shift on New Year's Eve. Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush will be out in Wellington and Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard plans to be in the Bay of Plenty. We'll try to make ourselves useful! Have a very happy Christmas and New Year - and if you're on the road, drive safely!	WalOne (4202)
1362400	2013-12-12 20:15:00	Great work from NZ's finers By Commissioner Peter Marshall 12th December 2013 FTFY (If the Commissioner is so named because he is paid a commission, it explains a lot. Just 1% of the money spent on advertising would be good. ;) )	R2x1 (4628)
1362401	2013-12-12 20:46:00	That heading was a basic cut and paste ... don't ask how "NZ's finest" got to be "NZ's finers" ... Not that I won't tell - I just don't know :badpc: ;)	WalOne (4202)
1362402	2013-12-13 00:43:00	Assume it was changed to reflect perceptions from those paying for the spotty service, rather than from those squandering the dosh. ;)	R2x1 (4628)
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