What is Community Patrol?

Have you ever wondered about the role of Community Patrol, and the difference between the Patrol and the Police?

If you see suspicious behaviour, observe from a distance. You can call 111 if the situation warrants it, eg if you heard breaking glass or banging to force entry.

For immediate risk to human life or property, you should call 111, or if a burglary just happened and offenders are nearby. 105 is a crime reporting line for events which have already occurred. NZ Police also has online reporting options and a new App.

Community Patrol across NZ is simply the “eyes and ears” of the Police. The Patrol does not have an on-call or incident response capability or remit, and the cell phone number is not published.

Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a national organisation that was formed in 2002. CPNZ is funded at a National level by New Zealand Police and New Zealand Government, with the CPNZ National Office being based at Police

National Headquarters in the National Prevention Centre. The CPNZ National Office supports over 5,000 volunteers in over 170 affiliated Community Patrols throughout New Zealand.

Community Patrols are organised and operated by their local communities and raise their annual operating expenses through local grants, sponsorship and donations. Each Patrol caters to the needs of its local community, Patrolling where and when best supports the local Police and the local community.

In partnership with others, we prevent crime and reduce harm through the active presence of trained patrollers. CPNZ’s vision is a New Zealand where everyone feels safe and therefore our volunteers work closely with Police as extra “eyes and ears” through intelligence and observation to assist Police and other agencies to build safer communities.

Community Patrols are independent of the Police but receive regular Police guidance, training and tasking. Find out more at cpnz.org.nz