Police-patrol reorganisation

Press, 3 October 1985, Page 8

Police-patrol reorganisation

The Christchurch police have reorganised the way in which patrol cars are assigned to jobs. Its effect will be a delayed response to calls from the public about less serious matters, according to the Christchurch police chief, Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Jamieson. “Offences involving threat of death, injury, or violence

to any person will be accorded the highest priority,” he said. "Other serious crime which may still be occurring, or where offenders are likely to be in the vicinity, will also be dealt with as promptly as possible.” Mr Jamieson said that in recent years the Christchurch police had encountered an increasing demand for patrol cars. The aim of

the police was to provide an efficient and courteous service, but the police could not respond equally to all calls. . Less serious matters or calls for service would be dealt with when a patrol was available, which could mean there would be some delay. Sometimes if there appeared little point in sending a car, a caller

might be asked to visit the nearest police station. Mr Jamieson asked for understanding from the public. “Our aim is to provide a more efficient service where our patrols can clearly be used to prevent crime, protect the public from violence, or arrest offenders for serious offences,” he said.