Police Youth Education Officers

Newtown School
Mein St
Newtown
Wellington

YOUTH EDUCATION OFFICERS

Mr Tom Law, Chair of Newtown School expressed concern at the proposals by the Wellington Police to once again target the withdrawal of services that Police provide to local communities.

“We are told again and again that the way to enhance crime prevention is through education. It is unfortunate that the Police find that they are put in a situation where the fence at the top of the cliff (crime prevention) is compromised, said Mr Law.

While it is appreciated that the Police have a responsibility for traffic enforcement, and that they feel they must concentrate on that area, the relationship that the police have with schools is important. Many programmes that schools run may not involve the police directly, but their involvement in planning, training and support is essential. Newtown School receives the support of the education officers in programmes including DARE, Kia Kaha, Keeping Ourselves Safe and school patrol. To lessen the support may put the ongoing nature of these programmes in jeopardy.

As well as leading specific programmes, the Youth Education Officers, like the community constable, also develop a relationship with children so that they (the children) develop a confidence in the police as they participate together in various programmes.

At Newtown School, we hope that Wellington Police will continue to support schools with dedicated staff at the present levels.

For more information call:

Tom Law For immediate release
Chairperson 21 July 2001
Phone 3898202
Mobile 025 2674879

ENDS

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