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Thread ID: 127920	2012-11-22 01:36:00	Newsletter from the Police Commissioner - Nov 22	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1313959	2012-11-22 01:36:00	Latest from the Police Commissioner: Rising to a royal challenge November 22, 2012 As I write, the dust is settling after the highly successful visit of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. Like all royal tours, this was hugely significant in the national and international attention it brought. A royal visit over six days, involving many districts, presents a real challenge. We must work closely with a number of New Zealand and overseas government representatives and the ramifications for any embarrassing incident or criminal act would be serious. My thanks to operation commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson; to Assistant Commissioner Nick Perry, the Commissioner's representative in the operation; to Diplomatic Protection Squad and headquarters support personnel; and to district staff who undertook their roles splendidly. This was among a number of recent operations illustrating the range of police work. From a happy event to a tragic one - the death of baby JJ in Auckland. With JJ's murderer jailed, well done to Detective Inspector Kevin Hooper and his team in securing the conviction. I also note the swift arrest in the apparent abduction of a nine-year-old boy in Timaru - well done to Inspector Dave Gaskin and the team there. Operation Enzone was a significant criminal investigation which terminated last week with nine arrests and the seizure of significant amounts of methamphetamine and cash. Congratulations to all involved from the Organised and Financial Crime Agency NZ and the Eastern and Northland police districts, led by Detective Inspector Bruce Good. Congratulations abounded last Thursday at Eden Park where I was among approximately 400 people attending an awards ceremony - including the Police Minister, Police staff, families and members of the public. The commendations covered everything from long service to saving lives. What a wonderful testament to the work of our men and women, and members of the public who support them. There were some exceptional instances of heroism. The same day I worked part of the late shift with North Shore officers, attending to bail checks and such incidents. I always enjoy interacting with the front line and I thank the staff of Section One for looking after me! A darker side of policing was illustrated recently by an attack on an officer in Matamata, which continued even after he lost consciousness. We wish him a speedy recovery. Such dangers underline the importance of new Officer Safety Alarms we're rolling out, which allow staff in urgent need of help to alert the communications centre to their position at the touch of a button. Digital radios used in our major metropolitan centres have such features built in. In what might be termed "family news", we've lost two members of the wider Police family recently. Firstly, I note the death in Wellington of Jean Dougall, New Zealand Police's first woman Detective Inspector, and later Chief Inspector. She had no extensive family and I was pleased we could provide pallbearers and honour her request for a Police funeral. She asked that her body be draped in a Police flag, and to be buried at sea. We provided the Wellington Police launch Lady Elizabeth IV for this purpose. Jean was a trail-blazer for women in Police and holds a significant place in our history. I was pleased her Police family could pay this tribute to such a stellar career. On Monday we received the sad news of the death of former Senior Constable Jack Morrissey at the age of 82. Jack, who retired in 1985, was attacked in his Wainuiomata home in October. His death appears to be unrelated to the attack - but he deserved better after 35 years' service to his community with Police. Sincere condolences to Jack's family. Elsewhere, last week Police signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Crime Commission, giving us direct access to their intelligence databases. Organised crime does not respect borders and police must cooperate across jurisdictions if we are to keep our communities safe. This agreement is good news for New Zealand. There's more good news from Police Ten 7, which has wrapped up another successful year in which calls from viewers have contributed to 58 arrests for serious offending. Congratulations to the programme's makers Screentime and thanks to all viewers who called in. Stay safe and look after each other. :thumbs:	WalOne (4202)
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