3 Aug 2023

Should volunteer wardens 'supplement' police in downtown Auckland?

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 3 August 2023
Armed police remain at the scene of a serious shooting incident in downtown Auckland on 20 July, 2023.

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

The Police Association responds to the Police Minister's call for a greater role volunteer wardens to help patrol Auckland's city centre.

The recent fatal shooting at a construction site has renewed calls from community and business leaders for more police on the streets.

Police minister Ginny Andersen met with the central business association Chief Executive Viv Beck last week, suggesting that co-ordination between Māori and ethnic wardens could help free-up the police to respond to crime in the area.

Kathryn discusses the suggestion with Viv Beck, is Chief Executive of Heart of the City and president of the Police Association, Chris Cahill.