Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Our latest work on targeting serious and organised criminals, a new way of training our recruits and the inaugural Police Conference with our Australian colleagues.

Targeting serious and organised criminals

Last week our staff made significant inroads into serious and organised crime in our country, with the successful termination of a large synthetic cannabis and money laundering operation.

The operation was led by our new Organised Crime and Asset Recovery Taskforce based in Tauranga and involved approximately 80 staff, working together across Wellington, Auckland, Waikato as well as the Bay of Plenty.

Several people are now facing a significant number of charges relating to manufacturing, possessing and selling psychoactive substances and money laundering.

We also restrained a number of assets under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act which include a residential property in Tauranga and multiple motor vehicles including a Hummer.

Congratulations to Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Pritchard and his team, who coordinated the operation and every staff member involved.

New way of training our recruits

On Monday I met and officially welcomed our newest 20 recruits to the NZ Police family – Section Five of Wing 314. It was fantastic to meet the recruits who were supported at the welcome by their Wing Patron, Sir Noel Robinson.

You will have seen reports that we are trialling a non-residential recruit wing in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) in an effort to attract more people from the region which has been identified as being one of our target recruit areas. The training is identical to that delivered at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Wellington and these recruits have had to meet the same entry criteria as all Police recruits nationally.

This pilot is the result of direct feedback from potential recruits who said that moving to Wellington was a barrier, particularly those with young children, family and community commitments.

We want to ensure we have the very best recruits available, and the Tāmaki Makaurau pilot is one way of helping us to achieve this.

We’ve received positive feedback from our community about the pilot and we look forward to watching the recruits on their journey.

I want to wish Section Five of Wing 314 every success as they begin their training.

Police Conference 2018

Today and tomorrow I’m in Melbourne, alongside approximately 150 delegates from New Zealand Police and the Australian state and federal Police Services attending the inaugural Police Conference 2018.

Hosted by Australia and New Zealand Police Commissioners and delivered by the Australia New Zealand Police Advisory Board, the Conference has a future focus and will look at factors shaping the policing environment and police workforce – trust and confidence, youth, capability and emerging technology.

The Conference aims to position police and the police workforce to meet the challenges which will benefit all of our communities. Many policing organisations around the world are under constant pressure to react to ‘today’s crisis.’ Together with my Australian colleagues we will be looking to explore the issues that affect, influence and impact policing now as well as in the future so we can continue to ensure the safety and security of all our communities.

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Source: Tairawhiti District Health

New Zealand Police’s selection criteria is robust and the standard of recruits today is among the best we have ever had. I want to be sure that when they leave the police college, recruits feel they are capable and equipped to do the job to a high standard and to keep themselves and others safe. I do not pretend we always get this right, which is why we continually look at the quality of our training and work to improve that. Our methods change all the time and we listen to feedback on training standards. If they are found to be wanting then we act.

There is no doubt that when a recruit has completed their time at The Royal New Zealand Police College they still have a lot to learn. I have no doubt there are times at the beginning where they might falter due to lack of experience – when they are put on section they have been in uniform for just 16 weeks. I well remember as a young constable finding myself on the beat alone for the first time. I was 18 years old and it was a truly daunting experience. We rely on our senior staff to guide new staff and continue training and supporting them for the two years that they are probationary constables. This is the time where they learn that policing can be more art than science and that experience is what truly teaches them the job.

I say this to all New Zealanders, including current and former police staff: back your next generation of police officers, as I do.

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Highlights of Police working towards achieving our goals of 10,000 few victims of serious crime, reducing reoffending by Maori by 25% by 2025 and achieving 90% of high or very trust and confidence in Police by New Zealanders.

Operation Notus

Thanks to everyone involved in Operation Notus which was terminated yesterday.

This operation involved significant work from Bay of Plenty and Tāmaki Makaurau districts, the National Organised Crime Group and Financial Intelligence Unit.

Police’s Asset Recovery Unit has been assisting the investigation team and so have so far restrained over $2 million worth of assets, including residential properties, vehicles, boats, and a jet-ski.

Over the course of the investigation it is estimated that methamphetamine with the retail value of at least $2.1-2.6 million was allegedly sold to the community by these dealers.

This amount of meth equates to approximately $5.4 million in social harm.

As part of the termination we’ve uncovered a number of cases of family harm and child neglect connected to the houses where drug supply is taking place. Sadly, this is not surprising. Our staff are seeing family harm cases overrepresented in houses where organised crime and drug supply are factors.

We’ve also identified a number of end users who will be contacted with ways they can treat their drug addictions, hopefully resulting in an eventual reduced demand for methamphetamine.

Operation Jess – more drugs and firearms off our streets

Earlier this month we concluded the annual cannabis and related-crime operation with impressive results, preventing $418,903,408 in social harm to our communities.

While cannabis is a key part of the operation, other related criminal activity, including burglary, theft and firearms offending was also an important focus for our staff.

This year, 205 people have been arrested as a direct result of this operation. We recovered 85 firearms and referred 12 cases for asset recovery action. A significant amount of cash was seized and stolen property was also recovered.

Great work from everyone involved in this operation.

It’s a significant amount of work every year for districts and continues to be an important and successful component of our commitment to reducing the supply of cannabis and other drugs.

I also appreciate the assistance from our colleagues in the Defence Force who provide the use of their NH90 and crew.

Showing trust and confidence counts at all times

Last week was it was heartening to read about a job where Constables Alistair Ellesmere and John Keoghan from Waikato District finished the plumbing work at the home of a woman whose husband had died suddenly from a suspected medical event.

I want to commend Constables Ellesmere and Keoghan for their empathy and actions. They stayed with this woman until her support network could arrive, and while waiting finished the plumbing job her husband had started – something she may have found difficult to organise in light of what had happened.

I am continually impressed by how staff manage to find ways to make a difference when people need it most. I know this gesture would have been appreciated by the family. Keep up the good work.

Aiming to meet our goal to reduce reoffending by Maori by 2025

Last night Police Minister Stuart Nash hosted Police and our justice sector partners at Parliament’s Grand Hall alongside Iwi leaders to celebrate the ongoing success of Iwi/Justice Panels and to launch “Te Pae Oranga” a concept that imbues the vision and principles of Iwi Panels.

Iwi/Community Panels sees justice sector agencies and community working together to reduce reoffending. They are a reflection and extension of the strong commitment Police has to its relationship with Māori.

The overall aim, shared by Police and by Iwi, is to reduce the number of Māori entering the criminal justice system and, to redirect them to achieving their full potential.

Iwi/Community Panels were introduced in Christchurch in 2010. They were rolled out in Gisborne, Hutt Valley and Counties Manukau in 2013/14, and Auckland City, Waikato and Bay of Plenty in 2017/18.

There are additional panels are currently in the development phase and will be located in Northland, Waitematä, Bay of Plenty, Eastern, and Tasman districts and are expected to be operating by 30 June 2018.

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Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Hunkin:

Police investigating the disappearance of missing mother Leonie Emery in 2018 are encouraging people to watch Monday night’s Cold Case episode on TV One.

Leonie who was just 25 years old when she disappeared without a trace seven years ago, leaving behind her four children and devastated whānau.

Leonie was a free spirit who moved around regularly so her family were used to regular periods of no contact. She was reported missing to Police in 2019 but it’s believed she had not been seen or heard from for around a year prior to that.

Investigators have undertaken extensive enquiries to understand Leonie’s last movements and what might have happened to her. Police have examined several possible scenarios but believe it is most likely that Leonie has been the victim of foul play.

Leonie had been spending time in the Waikato but was last seen at a family member’s address in Papakura sometime in late January, early February 2018. Where did she go when she left and who was she with? These are some of the questions we need the public’s help with.

The Cold Case episode will outline key elements of this investigation and we hope it will prompt someone to come forward with information which will help us get the answers Leonie’s whānau desperately want.

We know there are people out there with key information Police need. Please tune in on Monday at 8:30pm to watch the episode.

We urge anyone with information, no matter how small you might think it is to contact Police.

If you can help, call 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273).

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

Wairarapa Police have put the brakes on an anti-social road user event in the Wairarapa overnight, issuing infringements and seizing vehicles.

Operation Kereru saw an increased Police presence in the Wairarapa region, taking a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful road user activity.

In the Wairarapa, Police were able to set up necessary checkpoints to disrupt behaviour before it started.

Over 50 infringements were issued, and on top of these, ten non-operational orders were served. Two vehicles were seized by Bailiffs, and one was impounded.

Wairarapa Area Commander, Inspector Nick Thom says the work of Police staff to get in early to disrupt the planned activity saw a pleasing result.

“As a result of the fantastic work by staff, the vehicles that had gathered were intercepted and had left the area before they were able to get started, all before midnight.”

Two people were recorded over the legal alcohol limit and have been summoned to court, as has a man who was arrested for driving while suspended.

Wairarapa Police continue to work with staff around the Wellington region to disrupt any anti-social behaviour and want to reassure the community that those participating in unlawful activity will be held to account.

Police are reminding members of the public to report any unlawful activity to us, as soon as possible with as much information as safely possible.

This will assist in an effective response, and in cases where we can’t respond immediately, we are able to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action.

You can report any information to us by calling 111 if it is happening now, or via 105 if it is after the fact, either over the phone or online.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

Police can advise that the pedestrian critically injured in Henderson on Sunday has died.

A collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian was reported at 10.20am on Lincoln Road.

The pedestrian was transported to Auckland Hospital in critical condition.

Sadly, Police can now advise that the man succumbed to injuries and died in hospital on Sunday night, 6 April.

Our thoughts are with the man’s family.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the crash, and this remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash and has yet to speak with Police can do so by calling 105 using the reference number 250406/2570.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Attributable to Inspector Mike Henwood, Eastern Waikato Area Commander:

A man is before the courts after fleeing from Police in Te Awamutu last night, damaging three Police vehicles in the process.

At about 8:30pm yesterday, Police received reports of a theft at a commercial premises on Sloane Street, Te Awamutu. Upon arrival, a vehicle of interest was seen travelling away from the scene, the vehicle was signalled to stop and failed to do so. The vehicle was not pursued.

A further report of theft at 9pm was received from another commercial premises in Te Awamutu, and the same vehicle of interest was seen by Police driving away from the area from the area at high speeds. Police did not engage with the vehicle due to the inherent risk that the manner of driving placed upon other road users.

At 10:30pm, Police responded to reports of a disorder at McDonalds in Te Awamutu, the attending units sighted the Toyota Landcruiser on State Highway 3, a co-ordinated response to stop the vehicle was carried out, leading to the vehicle successfully being spiked.

The vehicle continued to drive into Te Awamutu township where spikes were deployed a further two times on Bygrave Place, deflating the remainder of the vehicle’s tyres.

The alleged offender has then intentionally driven his vehicle into a stationary Police vehicle that was parked on the side of the road, causing significant damage to the patrol vehicle, the officer inside the vehicle was thankfully uninjured.

The offending vehicle has then driven into a service station forecourt on Sloane Street where he was blocked in by multiple police units. He has then rammed two Police vehicles, causing extensive damage to the vehicles. No Police staff were injured.

The offender’s vehicle has then come to rest on a security bollard, Police removed the man from the vehicle, and he was taken into custody.

The officers responding to this incident demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to public safety. Despite being rammed on three separate occasions by a dangerous driver attempting to flee, they placed themselves in harm’s way to protect the community and bring the situation under control. Their actions reflect the dedication and bravery our Police show every day to keep others safe. 

A 43-year-old man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today facing a number of driving, assault and shoplifting charges.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was killed on West Coast Road, Sheffield on Tuesday.

He was Robert Alexander McKinley, aged 66, of Ikamatua.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.

The crash remains under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

A Kerikeri teenager has fast-tracked himself into court on serious drugs charges after failing to stop for Police.

After 7pm on Sunday, a frontline unit in Kerikeri came across a vehicle travelling at excessive speeds.

Relieving Far North Area Commander, acting Inspector Kylie Newton says the unit signalled for the vehicle to stop.

“The driver disregarded the blue and red lights and carried on at speed and was not pursued further given the manner of driving.”

Police carried out further enquiries and located the vehicle on Keridale Lane.

“Our staff approached the vehicle and smelt a strong odour of cannabis coming from the vehicle,” acting Inspector Newton says.

“A search of the vehicle was invoked which located cannabis and LSD inside.”

The 18-year-old man was arrested on the roadside, and the vehicle has been impounded.

He will appear in the Kaikohe District Court today on possession for supply of cannabis and LSD.

He has also been charged with failing to stop for Police.

“Possession for supply is a serious offence, so it’s a pleasing outcome that these illegal substances are out of circulation in the community,” acting Inspector Newton says.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house on Cobham Place in Hastings early this morning.

The incident was reported to Police at around 3am today. Witnesses reported seeing possibly two people leaving the area on a quad bike at around the same time.

Our initial enquiries indicate that this incident is not linked to the ongoing tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power in Eastern District.

We would like to hear from anyone with information which might assist our investigation. We are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at around the time of the shooting.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105, quoting file number 250428/4796.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.