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Thread ID: 135323	2013-10-21 01:08:00	From the Police Commissioner October 17	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1356626	2013-10-21 01:08:00	Lessons learned in interesting times By Police Commissioner Peter Marshall October 17, 2003 We've been in the news a good deal over the past two weeks. There has been plenty of average commentary, and also plenty of things to celebrate. First, congratulations to the Police Recruitment team on their outstanding showing in the recent Marketing Effectiveness Awards - the Effies - winning two gold awards and one silver. The Newcops campaign which recreated extraordinary police work stories as street art won both the Public Sector/Social Marketing and 'Hardest Challenge' categories. You can find out more here. This isn't just advertising industry back-slapping - these awards recognise campaigns that actually achieve the desired results. In this case, the desired result is to attract the right people to Police. Last week I attended the graduation of Recruit Wing 279 and, as always, was deeply impressed by our newest constables. I wish them all well as they head into the Auckland districts where they can be assured of a varied and interesting career. In the operational sphere, sincere congratulations to the Waikato-based team that investigated the death of baby Serenity Jay Scott, assisted by Police National Headquarters. The result was a guilty plea, clearly reflecting the quality of the evidence. The minimum 13-year jail term is a fantastic result which means justice has been served for Serenity, her whänau and the wider community. The Lundy case has also received a lot of attention. Liaison with Crown Law around future hearings is well under way and we look forward to objectively assessing the available evidence. Far less objectively, last week TV3 ran a programme entitled The Vote, on which a panel debated whether trust and confidence in Police was falling. I decided not to take part for a number of reasons. I put more faith in the Citizens' Satisfaction Survey of nearly 10,000 people, which rates overall trust and confidence in Police at a continuing all-time high of 79 percent. One reason for such trust and confidence is the level of scrutiny we receive. In this context I welcome the Appeal Court decision that members of the Red Devils gang in Nelson should stand trial in a case which has attracted a great deal of commentary. We've learned lessons from this case - however the abandonment of such serious charges would not have served the interests of justice or the local community. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also released some significant reports. One found the actions of officers who tasered and shot a man attacking a woman near Porirua were justified, professional and prevented further harm to two victims. Another report, released today, faults the actions of officers called to a party in Wellington in 2009. In keeping with the Police Executive's stance, Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls has fronted our media response. We don't shy away from these responsibilities. The IPCA concedes the law around out-of-control parties is complex. Decisions made quickly and under great pressure may be scrutinised forensically over many months. Again, there are obvious learnings - but I can reassure you we will not stand back when we receive calls for help, as in this case. I greatly appreciate the unsolicited messages of support I often receive from members of the public. These are particularly welcome when considering events like the attack on Constable Todd Martin in Auckland. I visited Todd and his wife Lisa last Friday. Thankfully he is on the road to a full recovery. I note the Police Association again felt the need to call for full-time arming as a result of this assault. One of Todd's colleagues had a Taser - but neither that nor a firearm would have made any difference to the assault. I remain impressed by my colleagues' professionalism in making the arrest. There's good news today with the announcement of the new Meritorious Service Medal for New Zealand Police. This award is really something for staff to aspire to, and I look forward to making the first presentation. Finally, tomorrow the State Services Commission will advertise the position of Police Commissioner. I remain Commissioner until 2 April, and there's plenty more work to do before my three-year term expires then. Stay safe and look after each other. My apologies for posting the Commissioner's blog a few days late guys :)	WalOne (4202)
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