PRESS RELEASE 10 JULY 2023
Urgent Spotlight: The Ōpōtiki Policing Crisis and Its Societal Impact
This Sunday, TVNZ's "Sunday" programme is set to unveil the grave challenges plaguing police officers in Ōpōtiki, as reported by Kristan Hall. But this narrative extends beyond the individual struggles of a Police Constable grappling with PTSD in the face of daunting, isolated work conditions. It's a broader reflection of how the diminishing number of police officers impacts our community's safety and well-being. The programme will shed light on the mental health crises, high staff turnover with officers moving to Australia, and a heart-wrenching suicide in 2023, painting a vivid picture of the dire situation.
Ōpōtiki's predicament is a microcosm of the more significant issues faced by rural police forces across New Zealand, battling against a backdrop of gang dominance. It’s led to a scenario where a constable has made the difficult decision to speak out on "Sunday", risking professional repercussions to bring attention to these critical issues.
In response to this crisis, the Hatikvah Blue Hope Foundation has contacted Ministers Mitchell, Doocey, and Van Velden. Our foundation is deeply concerned about the inadequate support from police services and ACC's third-party providers, highlighting the urgent need for action to address these shortcomings. Despite our repeated calls for enhanced service and oversight, the necessary improvements remain elusive, putting our officers' safety and well-being at risk.
The "Sunday" segment transcends a mere report; it's an urgent plea for systemic reform. It illustrates not just the internal struggles within the police force but also the broader societal consequences of an understaffed police service. This isn't solely about the officers; it's about the fabric of our community and the increasing burden police officers bear, often unnoticed, in maintaining our collective security and safety.
Join us this Sunday, 25th February, at 7:30 pm on TV1 for this important story. It's a critical opportunity to confront the realities facing our police service and, by extension, our society. The narrative compels us to consider the profound effects of the current policing crisis on the safety and well-being of our communities.
We urge you to watch, comprehend the depth of these challenges, and support our endeavour for a future where police officers are adequately funded for their well-being and the safety of our communities. We can advocate for a healthier, safer police service that benefits us all.
