Cook Islands Police are launching a community policing initiative with volunteer support from each vaka in Rarotonga to enhance safety and security during the festive season.

Police yesterday finalised arrangements for a cooperative effort in community policing, following a meeting with stakeholders.

According to police spokesperson Trevor Pitt, three officers will be assigned to maintain a community presence with the support of volunteers from each of the vaka of Rarotonga.

“The meeting with Acting Commissioner Aka Matapo this (yesterday) morning laid the groundwork of responsibilities for the plans to go ahead, covering the festive season,” Pitt said.

“The volunteers themselves will play a supporting role to assist officers in their duty. Ultimately, authority and powers remain with Officers, who under law, can request any member of the public to render assistance.”

The support will be invaluable in terms of road environment surveillance and traffic monitoring, safeguarding the movement of people around the island, and if necessary, responding to complaints where appropriate, Pitt said.

He added the community initiative will largely focus on nighttime activities around the island.

“We’re extending a plea for public cooperation. For the public to dig deep this festive season and help the Police ensure we have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year,” Pitt said.

“Given the extent to which we have been coping with serious constraints on policing, we’d appreciate all the assistance with maintaining a healthy level of peace and security.”

Pitt said the last thing they want is tragedy during the festive season.

“Everyone can play a part to boost responsibility and consideration towards each other. That means taking the time to be watchful and vigilant around your own neighbourhood.

“Keeping the celebrations to a respectable noise level and being mindful of the welfare of others.

“Stay safe on the road, don’t drink and drive. Pay attention to your driving and keep the speed down!”

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Police, emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community policing.

Speaking to Cook Islands News after a meeting with the acting Police Commissioner, Brown, who is also the Minister for Police, addressed the importance of increasing police presence in the community.

“I had a good meeting with the police commissioner. A couple of police have already volunteered to take on roles in the Ngatangiia community, and we are working to expand this initiative to Arorangi,” he said.

Brown explained that, for Christmas and New Year, the police force will be split into two shifts to ensure there is always a full squad on duty while allowing officers time with their families.

He also stressed on the potential for increased police visibility during the festive period, including measures like checkpoints to combat speeding and drunk driving.

• Rashneel Kumar/Talaia Mika