Youth and Police work in harmony in the park

‘Youth and Police work in harmony during Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2003’

Youth workers and police will be working in harmony at this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at the Auckland Domain.

Police have teamed up with youth workers from the Youthline organisation to liaise with young people on the night of the concert on December 13th

At the 1999 concert, there was some disturbance caused around the Museum area when young people congregated during the concert. In response, the Police teamed up with a group of Youthline youth workers to liaise with young people – and the initiative has been a great success at the last three concerts.

About 60 experienced youth workers from Youthline – which is also the official beneficiary of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park – team up with about 20 police staff drawn from youth aid, youth education and community constable sections. They liaise with young people at the concert, provide help and advice, and hand out free non-alcoholic beverages.

Event organiser John Searle says the organisers are thrilled with the positive response.

“It’s a fantastic initiative that’s worked really well. There are virtually no problems in the museum area now, and they’re on hand to help diffuse any potential problems.”

Police spokesperson Inspector Derek Davidson says the joint initiative is a great example of police and community organisations working together for a common goal.

“It has opened up a lot of new opportunities, and lead to informal networks between our staff and Youthline in their ongoing work with young people.”

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