Waiuku Police are opening up their station to the public for weekly drop-in sessions, starting this Wednesday, July 16.
Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, said the community had raised the issue that Waiuku Police Station was not open or accessible.
“The idea is to be a bit more accessible to the public for that non-urgent police stuff. Obviously, any emergencies go through the 111 system, there’s still the option for the 105 and online reporting, but it’s a face-to-face opportunity to speak to police and report local matters.
“We’ll report and provide service as we normally do, and then keep a record of how much volume comes through over the counter in Waiuku.”
The Waiuku Police Station at 3 Court Street will be open on Wednesdays from 10am to noon.
“We’ll see how it rolls out in Waiuku and then discuss what it looks like in other locations. Waiuku is quite a growing population, and they’ve been the most vocal [around this].”
Hoyes said several stations in Counties Manukau South had been closed to the public, including Tuakau, despite staff working out of those particular stations.
“We used to do ‘Coffee with a Cop,’ where people had an opportunity to talk with their local community cop or have a chat with the team and raise any issues there more informally. We weren’t getting a lot of buy-in or response in that space.”
Police staffing in Waiuku had recently increased, with Sergeant Michael Robinson and four other officers based in the town.
“If it’s successful, it’s something we will continue. But if the numbers don’t warrant it, then we have to look at the best way to spend our resources.
“It sends two messages: If the demand is there, then we will continue it. And secondly, if the demand is there, then we have a few other things we will need to think about. If we can make it work here, then there’s no reason we can’t roll it out elsewhere.”
