Making central Wellington a safer place
Wellington’s Walkwise officers help people feel safer in the central city, according to a Wellington City Council survey.
More than 60 percent of residents and 75 percent of inner-city retailers polled felt that Walkwise officers helped to reduce crime.
During the day Wellington’s Walkwise team play a mostly ambassadorial role, providing a friendly and helpful face for tourists or locals seeking assistance or advice.
As night falls, the team’s focus changes to incidents that typically involve excessive alcohol consumption, antisocial behaviour, violence and risky behaviour.
Every officer has been given two weeks induction training. They also receive further training in customer service, first aid and conflict resolution so they can avoid confrontation and diffuse tension in a non-aggressive manner.
Wellington’s Walkwise team typically reports between 80 and 100 observations a week. About half of these involve the Police, and the other half involve advising the Wellington City Council of issues such as broken street lights and holes in the road.
The Walkwise team works in close partnership with the Wellington City Council and the Police, and receives weekly briefings on emerging issues. This enables them to quickly and pro-actively respond to prevent trouble.
No two days (or nights) are the same and Walkwise officers do everything from pointing cruise ship tourists in the right direction, to helping Police catch criminals.
More than 60 percent of residents and 75 percent of inner-city retailers polled felt that Walkwise officers helped to reduce crime.
During the day Wellington’s Walkwise team play a mostly ambassadorial role, providing a friendly and helpful face for tourists or locals seeking assistance or advice.
As night falls, the team’s focus changes to incidents that typically involve excessive alcohol consumption, antisocial behaviour, violence and risky behaviour.
Every officer has been given two weeks induction training. They also receive further training in customer service, first aid and conflict resolution so they can avoid confrontation and diffuse tension in a non-aggressive manner.
Wellington’s Walkwise team typically reports between 80 and 100 observations a week. About half of these involve the Police, and the other half involve advising the Wellington City Council of issues such as broken street lights and holes in the road.
The Walkwise team works in close partnership with the Wellington City Council and the Police, and receives weekly briefings on emerging issues. This enables them to quickly and pro-actively respond to prevent trouble.
No two days (or nights) are the same and Walkwise officers do everything from pointing cruise ship tourists in the right direction, to helping Police catch criminals.
HEAD OFFICE
Auckland, Building 1, Central Business Park,
666 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland
PO Box 2439, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140
Freephone: 0800 111 238
Phone: 09 580 6400
Fax: 09 580 6475