Wellington Police and Victoria University - Working together for a safer community

Wellington Police and Victoria University have signed a Letter of Agreement to continue working towards a common goal of keeping Victoria University a safe community for students and staff.

Acting Wellington Police Area Commander Inspector Simon Perry says Police have been working alongside Victoria University and its student association (VUWSA) for some time now, after being approached by the University about three years ago. The first University Liaison Officer role was then established in August 2008.

"The role of the Officer is to provide crime prevention advice and assistance throughout the academic year, including annual briefings to new students and international students. Staff and students are also able to meet with the Officer twice a month, through a 'Police Clinic', providing an invaluable, professional service to those on campus."

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Pat Walsh says the agreement is an important milestone in the developing relationship with the New Zealand Police. “Providing a safer community is a goal which both organisations share, and I am delighted we are able to formalise our working relationship.”

VUWSA President Max Hardy has been a key figure in progressing the agreement and says students support the move.

“We want to work together with the Police to make students safer in our community."

“We have not always had the best relationship with the Police, and we hope this new era will be marked by trust and integrity. We are encouraged by the new community focus and have had a productive relationship with the new University Liaison Officer.”

Inspector Simon Perry says the New Zealand Police Strategy's vision is 'Safer Communities Together'. Police want confident, safe and secure communities and less victims of crime.

"Victoria University is a community within itself and contributes hugely to Wellington city, which is why Police are formalising our relationship, to ensure we achieve our high level community policing aims."

ENDS

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