Changes to Feilding policing
Police are making changes to reassure the public they will have an adequate presence in Feilding.
Manawatu¯
District Council staff have met with police after public safety concerns were raised.
Mayor Helen Worboys, a community representative and senior council staff met with Manawatu¯ area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart and Senior Sergeant Steve Crawford last week to talk about the police setup in Feilding.
Worboys said the meeting was positive and the police acknowledged they might not have got it right in Feilding, so they were making some changes.
This included changing their roster to ensure there are a minimum of two police looking after Feilding.
There are also eight prevention officers working in the community, who are supported by community patrols and Neighbourhood Support.
Worboys said Stewart told her Feilding was one of the safest places in the country and the average police response time was less than seven minutes.
‘‘From a statistical point of view that’s great, but it’s our community perception that they don’t feel safe – we need to do something.’’
Worboys was concerned that not having as many staff based in Feilding would result in the police being less proactive. People might also be worried if the police presence seemed to have reduced.
‘‘If people can see the police out and about they feel safe.’’
Worboys had spoken to Manchester House community worker Robyn Duncan, who started a petition to restore police numbers to the town.
‘‘Let’s see if it’s going to help and if it makes a difference,’’ Worboys said.