New Community Constable starts work

New Community Constable starts work

8 October 2009

From tsunami relief to peacemaking in conflict zones Wellington’s new Community Officer, Senior Constable James Patrick, holds great experience in understanding crisis.

He comes into his new position, replacing Wellington Community Sergeant Matt Boyce, after several policing roles in disaster and conflict situations in Asia and the Pacific.

In fact, he says were it not for lapsed training and starting his new job he’d love to be supporting the relief work in Samoa right now. 

James was part of the New Zealand Police Disaster Victim Identification team sent to Thailand after the 2004 disaster. 
“It was an honour to be part of the relief effort. Particularly satisfying was being involved in the repatriation of victims to their home countries and more importantly to their families.”

In his new role he hopes to get out there and be visible.

“I’m keen to be an approachable figure in the community and build meaningful relationships with people in the inner city from all walks of life.”

Downtown Community Ministry Director Stephanie McIntyre says, “We welcome James to his role and look forward to working with him”.

James holds responsibility for the CBD, and the areas around it, including Mt Victoria, Mt Cook, Kelburn and Thorndon.

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