Road safety an issue for whole community

We are seeking more recruits for the Taupō policing area. Andy Livingstone

This week marks the beginning of the last school term so naturally I want to remind everyone to be aware of our school students as they walk or pedal to school.

On a road policing theme, the last article I wrote was about road safety after three fatal car accidents in three days. The following week our staff attended two fatal road crashes within four hours of each other.

I have a straightforward view of those who drive while on their phones, speed or don’t wear safety belts. It’s not only the police you should be concerned about when observing these driving habits, it’s each other, because that is who you are putting at risk.

Like the last time I wrote for this paper, please pay attention to the road and look after everyone in our community.

With spring on us our response teams are having a focus on looking after themselves and completing some sessions of high intensity training before shift, along with an upcoming evening to focus on wellbeing.

After a year or so of Covid-19 and the flu, it’s time to re-group as such and re-emphasise the habits we need to stay healthy, strong and well in a job with the demands of trauma and shift work.

As an organisation we offer staff debriefs with psychologists after critical incidents and have dedicated officers who are available for proactive and informal conversations to assist in directing support early on.

What we are doing locally at the moment is bringing our own focus and a proactive approach to supporting and looking after each other as well as having some fun.

In other internal news, we have recently appointed Sergeant Sarah Lord as the officer in charge of our Youth Aid team. Sarah has a varied and experienced policing career and the required skillset and knowledge to lead our Youth Aid team.

I know Sarah has a proactive approach and will lead this team with the required passion and expertise. So, welcome Sarah, to our wider leadership group.

Finally, if you want to be part of our team, please visit www.newcops. nz or come and speak to one of our local staff to find out more.

We are seeking more recruits for the Taupō policing area. This is an area ranging from Tū rangi to as far north as Tīrau and roughly marked in the east by Mangakino and Reporoa in the west.

Until next time, be smart by losing the smartphone while driving, pay attention and stay safe.