Help police keep watch

The Whangaparaoa Community Patrol seeks 10 more volunteers to help police keep a watch on the peninsula during weekends.

The patrol, with one car and about 15 volunteers, heads out every Friday and Saturday from about 9.30pm until the early hours.

"This patrol covers the whole of the peninsula, but patrollers do not get involved in confrontations," says Whangaparoa community constable Ian "Jug" Price.

"They are used as the eyes and ears of the local police.

"They are connected to the police by portable radio and cellphone and report any disorder or offences that they witness."

Once the Whangaparaoa group is back to full strength patrollers can expect to be on the roster about one night every two months. There are two people per night on a roster basis.

"Volunteers are generally more mature age- wise, but anyone with spare time will be considered," says Mr Price.

Applicants can expect to be vetted by police and undergo a training session within Whangaparaoa.

They are issued with photo identification and a basic uniform shirt, hat and high visibility jackets.

Volunteer Eric West of Arkles Bay says it is a worthwhile thing to do and it's good to give something back to the community.

"The training was good and you get to see a side of life you might not ordinarily see.

"Our patrol partners are interesting people with the same kind of ideals and we work with a good bunch of people in the police," he says.

Mr Price says the community patrol is a classic example of proactive policing in partnership with the community.

"It's a preventative patrol, so it's hard to get a gauge on its obviously positive benefits.

"You can't report a crime that hasn't happened," he says.

Anyone keen to volunteer can contact Ian Price or Charlotte Jones on 424-6504.

- © Fairfax NZ News