They’re the unsung heroes of our community – and they want you to join them.
You may have spotted Community Patrol cars or their shirts – but you may not be aware of all the good deeds they do.
From educating community members on how to protect themselves against theft to acting as eyes and ears for the police, being a part of the Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol branch is about giving back to the community, says Counties Manukau District representative Graeme Walmsley.
Mr Walmsley, who has been a part of the Howick Pakuranga Patrol for six years, says he decided to join when he retired and wondered what he was going to do with his newfound spare time.
“One of the things being involved with community patrol is that not only giving back but also helping to keep it safe and those feelings are what motivate me.
“When I was in a car park and the next minute I hear an Asian lady screaming having her car attacked by someone…to be able to go and help her, calm her down, get the police there and get her husband contacted – that’s the sort of activity where you sit down and think that’s great.”
MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown has recently signed on as patron to the Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol and says he’s honoured to be a part of the organisation.
“Community safety, and law and order are issues which I am passionate about, so it is a real honour to be involved in an organisation such as Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol.
“The Community Patrol is a volunteer-run organisation and supports the work of the police. They provide a level of reassurance for locals who see them out and about keeping an eye on our streets and public places, and they work closely with the police to ensure our communities feel safe, and are safe. I look forward to supporting the HPCP with their important work as both their patron and their Member of Parliament,” he said.
“If anyone is interested in joining the Patrol, I greatly encourage it. There is always a need for new volunteers.”
Interested applicants will need to pass a police vetting process and undergo a training programme and are required to commit to one shift a month of two or three hours – although a lot attend once a week or fortnight.
For more information, visit cpnz.org.nz.
