15 November 2011

Police and Federated Farmers sign letter of agreement

The Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall, has signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) in Wellington with Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills. The LoA will promote a collaborative working relationship between the Police and rural New Zealand through Federated Farmers.

“Police welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Federated Farmers at a strategic level, and build on existing relationships between police and farming communities at local and national level,” Commissioner Marshall said.

“For the first time there will be an annual meeting at a senior national level to discuss strategic direction, priorities and plans. This will flow onto Police District Commanders and Provincial Presidents of Federated Farmers to discuss local issues.

“In an emergency, it will ensure the right people are in communication, particularly during police led major operations to ensure that public safety needs along with stock welfare considerations are achieved with as minimal disruption as possible.”

The Commissioner said Federated Farmers has strong networks throughout the rural community. Tapping into these will be beneficial in communicating public safety messages.

“The LoA with Federated Farmers is in keeping with our prevention first approach and the value we place in partnerships with the community.”

Federated Farmers was happy the LoA will help Federated Farmers and rural businesses better work with the Police, locally and nationally.

“From Federated Farmers perspective, we want to work with the New Zealand Police based on a spirit of goodwill and cooperation,” added Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

“Public safety and rural security are paramount, especially during major Police operations. This LoA is a means for us to work through things before they become an issue, especially where an operation may affect animal welfare.

“It goes much deeper than a tactical operation though. By having this LoA, a first between us, Federated Farmers is committing to work with the Police and the Police with us. It’s about building a relationship that will promote good public order in rural New Zealand.

“Federated Farmers is pleased to have signed this LoA with the Police. We look forward to the communication, engagement and cooperation it will bring,” Mr Wills concluded.

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