Are you a community spirited individual that is willing to give up a small amount of time to make our community a safer place to live and play? If so read on…
The Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol is looking for volunteers to help patrol the Waiwera to Dairy Flat region at both day and night time.
What is a community patrol?
A community patrol is a voluntary group of people giving some of their time and taking responsibility within their own community to help the Police make their community a safer environment in which to live. Any citizen who has a caring attitude to their community may offer their services.
Community patrols have links to local Councils and organisations sharing a similar interest in community safety. The Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol is a charitable trust that is managed by a committee made up of it’s active patrol members. Members meet regularly for training and to discuss issues and opportunities.
The Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol is affiliated with Community Patrols of New Zealand and has the support and confidence of the Police. There is a local police liaison officer allocated to work with us.
What is patrolling all about?
Prior to going out on patrol patrollers meet with local police and are informed of any suspicious activities and trouble spots they would like the patrol to keep an eye on, as well as informing the patrol of events occurring in the area. Each member must sign a declaration of confidentiality and agree to abide by a code of conduct before working with the patrol.
Community patrollers act as ‘eyes and ears’ for police. Patrolling their community in pairs, in a well marked vehicle, patrollers note anything that could be suspicious and inform police immediately of incidents requiring urgent attention. Patrollers do not directly confront offenders as their personal safety is a top priority. With the help of it’s sponsors the Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol has recently taken possession of a new patrol vehicle that is well equipped for the patrol tasks it carries out on behalf of the community.
Applicants are vetted by the Police before becoming patrol members and must complete a period of training (usually three months) where they work with senior patrollers. Patrollers usually patrol once a month and receive training in both first aid and fire fighting.
How do I join the patrol?
Contact the Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol on: hbcchairman@gmail.com or phone Sandra on 021 02746229
Or find out more information from the NZ Community Patrol website: http://www.cpnz.org.nz
The Patrol is also interested in hearing from potential sponsors or people that may be able to help with just day or night patrols.