NEWS RELEASE
4 October 2013

Wanted: eagle-eyed volunteer crime-fighters

Wellington Police and Wellington City Council are looking for about 20 volunteers to monitor the CCTV cameras installed around the central city to prevent crime.

If you are naturally inquisitive – but also cool and calm by nature – then this may be an enjoyable and, at times, exciting way of volunteering to help keep the central city a safe place.

The 13 safety cameras are monitored from an office in the Central Police Station in Victoria Street.

The cameras are there to record and report any incidents as they happen and are a valuable tool for the Police to prevent and reduce crime or disorderly behaviour including burglary, assault and vandalism.

Wellington Police Community Services Manager Matt Boyce says: “We are looking for people who can give up some of their spare time to help prevent crime and make the central city a safer place to live, work and play. Volunteers learn new skills, get to meet and work with new people and give something back to the community.”

The existing roster of volunteers come from all walks of life including retired people, local apartment dwellers, office workers, journalists and business owners. The volunteers do the monitoring of the screens – thus freeing up uniformed Police staff to get out and about on the ‘front line’.

Volunteers typically work in pairs so if you have a friend or partner who would be suitable, why not encourage them to apply as well.

Potential volunteers will receive an information pack which includes introductory information and all relevant Police check forms and code of conduct guides.

Training will be provided by Police and a volunteer co-ordinator.

Other attributes that would make a good volunteer for monitoring duties include:

• honesty and integrity, and an ability to maintain confidentiality
• good command of English language – both verbal and written. Volunteers have to respond quickly and clearly describe what they see in writing (via computer keyboard) and verbally (by phone) to help staff in the Police control room
• an ability to do at least two shifts every month – these are generally 3 to 6 hours. Shifts would be mainly at night but they can be arranged to suit the volunteer.

People interested in volunteering for these duties should contact Matt Boyce on 04 381 2000 or via Volunteer Wellington, tel 04 499 4570.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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