SUBURBAN POLICE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28937, 3 July 1959, Page 13

SUBURBAN POLICE

No Closing Of All Stations

(New Zeaiana Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 2, The closing of all suburban police stations has never been contemplated, the Commissioner of Police (Mr W. S. Brown) says in his annual report to Parliament, tabled today. Some in fact, he says, are In need of extension.

. “During the year there has been considerable discussion in the press on proposals to close a number of suburban stations and this has led to some belief that the day of the local constable, living and working amongst the people, is drawing to a close.

“The occasional closing of a country station, no longer justified because of shifts in population and Industry, has incorrectly given weight to this view.” Mr Brown says improved methods in some city areas demand a greater measure of centralisation.

“We have no doubt that larger units of police organisation in sotne city areas, with Increased use of motorised transport and radio, would result in a wider and more frequent police coverage without increase in manpower and also enable more rapid attention to reported incidents. “It would not. as has been feared, spell the end of foot patrols in places where they are needed, or cause the police to become remote from the people. We do not overlook the value in crime prevention of the visual presence of the uniformed constable.

“Sweeping changes are not visualised . . . any reorganisation must be spread over a period of years.”