Support scheme for victims

Press, 10 January 1987, Page 14

Support scheme for victims

PA Wellington The Wellington police have started a victims support scheme. Under the scheme the six community constables in Wellington city division will study the list of crimes committed each day to look for suitable cases to follow up. Five cases have been worked on since the scheme started on January 1, all of them assaults. A similar scheme has functioned in Auckland, and Inspector Pat O’Neil of the Community Liaison Office said it was an area he wanted police in the capital to head into. “I think the victim needs some support,” Mr O’Neil, said. “There’s a

general feeling among police officers that this area is needed.” Mr O’Neil said the scheme would function mainly for personal crimes such as assault. It would be beyond the police’s resources to cope with ail burglaries but some circumstances, for instance an elderly woman being robbed of all her possessions, would merit support. ‘ The scheme will be evaluated after six months, and Mr O’Neil said he hoped it would continue indefinitely. “I hope we don’t find victims not wanting to see the police again. I hope they’ll be happy to see someone showing interest in them.”