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Police take agile approach to Pike River Mine support

Police take agile approach to Pike River Mine re-entry support

Police have agreed an agile approach with the Pike River Recovery Agency (PRRA) and WorkSafe NZ in how we will support re-entry to the Pike River Mine drift.

The Police role is to complete a forensic scene examination of as much of the drift as is safely possible, as well as any functions required on behalf of the Coroner.

Police, the PRRA, WorkSafe NZ and their respective experts agree that the safest option for Police staff is for the drift to be fully recovered before Police consider deploying into the drift, rather than a staged approach.

However Police will adopt an agile approach in the event of a critical find.

This means that, in certain circumstances, Police will consider deploying staff into the drift before it is fully recovered and if it is safe.

Should this situation arise, then Police will consult with the PRRA and independent experts to assess and understand the stability of the mine and the relevant underground emergency management measures at that point.

Police will only deploy staff into the drift if we consider it safe to do so.

Assistant Commissioner (Response and Operations) Tusha Penny says this is the safest way forward, and consistent with best practice for any forensic scene examination:

“We have carefully discussed the options with our experts, the PRRA and WorkSafe NZ, and they support our approach,” says Ms Penny.

“The forensic examination is important, however the safety of all involved takes precedence.

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“Once the drift is fully recovered we will have a much better understanding of the environment inside the mine, and be in the best position to make informed decisions about our own staff entering the drift.

“This is consistent with the approach we take to any forensic scene examination.

We don’t go in until we know the full scene has been made as safe as possible.

“We fully recognise however that, as the re-entry progresses, there may be a situation requiring us to consider entering the drift before it is fully recovered.

“This agile approach will enable Police to fulfil all of its objectives,” says Ms Penny.

If Police staff are not deployed early in the event of a critical find, then underground PRRA staff will be fully briefed and supported by Police specialists above ground to undertake any essential forensic measures required.

To achieve this Police have this week been delivering forensic awareness training to PRRA mines staff.

This includes scene examination, search techniques, forensic imagery, the management of exhibits and Disaster Victim Identification processes.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring we do everything we can to provide answers for the Pike River families, says Ms Penny.

“This is a unique, complex and highly technical operation and our agile approach gives us a clear way forward in fulfilling our role, as well as ensuring the safety of our staff.”

ENDS

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