Volunteer patrols are a community-based initiative brought about by a community desire to reduce crime in their district. Patrols act as ‘eyes and ears’, noting down suspicious behaviour and taking note of vandalism. This presence in the district helps to reduce the opportunity for crime.

Community patrols are endorsed by the police – especially if the local patrol is affiliated with Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ). Patrols that join CPNZ receive guidelines by which to operate, a training manual and ongoing support.

There are patrols in most main townships of Franklin. They are:

• Pukekohe Community Patrol
• Tuakau Community Patrol
• Waiuku Community Patrol

Although a roster will be provided, this will generally be a guideline and members are free to either stick to the provided roster, or to patrol outside of the suggested times and dates depending on personal circumstances. Of course, all patrols are run slightly differently. Some groups are extremely strong with very committed members and several patrol vehicles. Other groups may consist of only half a dozen members who go out when they can.

 

What Happens During Patrolling?

In accordance with CPNZ rules, all patrollers must go out in pairs. This is for safety reasons and although most members will never experience a nasty incident, it is probably due to patrolling in pairs that danger is kept to an absolute minimum. It is also recommended that you never leave your vehicle or confront anyone – even in the commission of a crime. Your function is to observe and record from a distance.

If police intervention is needed, then the police are a phone call away and will respond as they deem necessary. All this is explained during training, which will be undertaken prior to going out on your first patrol.

The police provide the patrols with ‘hot-spots’ of crime and along with keeping an eye on the general area, you are also advised to observe these ‘hot-spots’. This is ‘Intel-based’ patrolling and far more effective than just driving around at random.

 

!!To volunteer call 237 1300!!