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Thread ID: 135533	2013-11-14 18:49:00	From the Police Commissioner November 14	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

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1359856	2013-11-14 18:49:00	An area where we must not fail By Commissioner Peter Marshall November 14 2013 The events of the past fortnight are a stark reminder to Police that we must remain absolutely vigilant in matters relating to sexual assault on adults and children. No matter how well we do elsewhere, we're rightly always going to be criticised if we fail in such a sensitive and important area. It is quite proper that the public expects us to deal with these matters with empathy, timeliness, accuracy and rigour as we seek to establish the truth. Our Prevention First operating strategy, launched in December 2011, highlights the needs of victims. That doesn't necessarily mean court proceedings always follow a complaint, but it does mean victims must feel they've been treated with dignity and respect, and that we've done everything possible for them, whatever the outcome. Police is made up of 12,000 men and women and, despite our best efforts, sometimes we don't get it right. However, we'll acknowledge our mistakes and front matters in an honest and forthright way. There are lessons to be learned in the recent case, which was the subject of considerable discussion at this week's meeting of all district commanders and senior executives. We do fantastic work in the districts and I have the utmost faith in our organisation and staff as a whole. However, we must keep testing ourselves, keep questioning and remain vigilant around such hugely important matters. These matters come against the backdrop of an increase of 10.8 percent in sexual offences recorded in the 2012-13 fiscal year. It's encouraging that people are coming forward to make these serious complaints. And if anyone wants to talk to Police about the Waitematä case, they can call 0800 OP CLOVER (0800 672 568) from any New Zealand phone, including cellphones. I acknowledge there have been mistakes in communication, but I do not believe they reflect any supposed cultural malaise in relation to the 2007 Commission of Inquiry. There's no indication that we aren't committed to Dame Margaret Bazley's recommendations, despite the assertions of some commentators. Indeed, we're a long way down the path of major culture change. I'm confident in this because I speak to scores of people every day and travel widely up and down this country. I also receive unsolicited letters and other communications extolling Police's virtues from members of the public. Many relate to people who have been helped with matters of sexual assault. There are scores of prosecutions for such offences before the courts at any one time, and we have approximately 40,000 prosecutions for all offences put before the courts each year. But I repeat we can't afford to fail victims of sexual assault, and if we do the public will not forgive us. Nor should they, given the absolute importance of such investigations. For more of my thoughts, watch this video. Otherwise, the business of policing goes on. One example of great work this week is that of Fiona, a police communicator, who saved a man from suicide while going home after her shift. Such dedication and initiative have my full admiration. Last week I attended an award presentation for 90 Police staff and members of the public at Eden Park. There were 300 people present, including Minister of Police Anne Tolley and Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. It was a great occasion, recognising a number of members of the public for auspicious bravery in assisting our staff. On to another award: congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of St John. This is a significant honour, royally sanctioned, for people who have shown "remarkable dedication helping people and in demonstrating kindness, comfort and understanding in communities throughout the country". For frontline staff there's an important development approaching with the start of training on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, which comes into force on 18 December. Policing around alcohol will be much scrutinised over the festive season. Fair and reasonable enforcement is critical at all times, so it's essential for officers to have a complete grasp of the new laws. The next stage of our Mobility project is rolling out across the districts. More than 2800 new phones will be issued to constabulary and non-constabulary staff as we continue to build on the many benefits Mobility has brought - here's one example. Interestingly, in October the Citizens' Satisfaction Survey showed full trust and confidence in Police increased to 82 percent. There's clearly a question about the effect of recent publicity on future findings but I'm confident there's still a remarkable groundswell of support for the men and women of New Zealand Police. Stay safe and look after each other. :)	WalOne (4202)
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