North Shore City mayor praises senior Police line-up
October 16, 2003

North Shore City Mayor George Wood is congratulating Police Commissioner Rob Robinson for strengthening the Police's command structure in Auckland.

Mr Wood, a former Police Inspector, says the senior management appointments announced today are great news for the Auckland region, including North Shore City.

"This shows the Police are serious about tackling the key issues of Auckland policing, organised crime and methamphetamine," says the immediate past chairman of the Auckland mayoral forum who has fought for greater police resources over the past five years.

"The Commissioner's decision effectively beefs up the command structure of the Auckland region and he's appointed outstanding officers to lead the fight against crime. These people have a proven track record of achievement and now they're in key positions to tackle the critical issues facing us all as Aucklanders," George Wood says.

"There is no doubting that these new appointments, both regionally and nationally, are insightful."

In a statement issued today, Commissioner Robinson said the new senior management team would lead New Zealand Police towards further achievements in crime and crash reduction.

The new appointments include Assistant Commissioner Clint Rickards as District Commander Auckland City and Superintendent Ted Cox as Auckland Metro Crime & Operations Support Commander.

George Wood says Clint Rickards' new responsibility for all three Auckland police districts will greatly strengthen police performance in the country's largest region.

"This is a wise move and one for which I have been advocating for some years. Having such a highly ranked officer in this area is a sure sign that Auckland policing is a top priority.

"I'm also impressed that Ted Cox will be leading the fight against organised crime and drugs such as the insidious 'p' (methamphetamine)."

Mr Wood also applauds the appointments of Assistant Commissioners Howard Broad (A/C Planning, Development & Deployment) and Peter Marshall (A/C Crime Reduction & Public Safety) to key roles at Police National headquarters in Wellington.

"These are highly respected and experienced officers who share an intimate knowledge of Auckland policing issues," he says.

All the new District Commander appointments are effective from January.

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