Community
- City Council to deploy 60 new CCTV cameras in CBD, featuring license plate recognition, with plans for further expansion.
- Community leaders and officials stress the importance of youth engagement and comprehensive support networks in addressing crime.
- Calls for stronger community-police partnerships and a review of legal frameworks to more effectively tackle the root causes of youth crime.
The public meeting Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark , originally scheduled for Saturday evening in the Victoria Room, which can accommodate about 60 people, was moved downstairs to the main area of the Civic Theatre due to the crowd growing to about 150. Related: Invercargill’s Call to Action: Community Meeting on Combatting Youth Crime
Community members, alongside city officials, delved into pressing issues such as crime, youth involvement, and the introduction of cutting-edge surveillance technology. The session kicked off with an overview of recent criminal activities that have raised concerns over personal safety.
Mayor Clark highlighted the city council’s initiative to roll out 60 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras across the Central Business District (CBD). This $2.2 million investment, equipped with license plate recognition, aims to enhance Police capabilities by providing real-time video access. When plans to extend this coverage to South City and Bluff, aiming for a comprehensive security network.
The dialogue also touched on personal experiences, with various community stalwarts sharing their insights. Andy Fraser, a dedicated former police officer now focused on youth work, emphasised the significance of school engagement and meaningful consequences to deter juvenile delinquency.
Chris, at the helm of a youth programme, and Nicole Papuéri, a committed community worker, shared their efforts in bolstering young individuals and families through compassion and robust support networks.
Barry Stewart, both a resident and city councillor, recounted his personal brush with youth crime, echoing the community’s frustration over current deterrent and rehabilitation measures. The discussion also scrutinised the government’s approach to gang-related funding and the necessity for a judicial penalty review. The crucial role of community organisations, notably the XO Church, in providing positive youth interventions was underscored.
The meeting concluded with a unified call for enhanced community-police collaborations and youth engagement initiatives, alongside the need for a thorough reassessment of the legal and penal systems to more effectively address the underlying issues and manifestations of youth crime.
National MP Penny Simmonds remarked on the complexity of tackling such issues, highlighting the indispensable role of family support, the critical importance of education, and the laudable efforts of community groups like XO Church and ManUp in fostering a supportive community atmosphere.
In a complementary tone, Bowman, reflecting on his extensive policing career, underscored the transformative impact of community engagement and the strategic shift towards holistic approaches in crime prevention, particularly for youth-related offences. He spotlighted initiatives aimed at providing enriching experiences for the youth, showcasing the potential for positive change beyond current adversities.
This meeting marked a significant step forward in addressing the city’s security and social challenges, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and innovative solutions.
Main photo: Michael Skerett Waihopai Representative at Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark, National MP Penny Simmonds, Deputy mayor Tom Cambell and Invercargill Central Manager Kelvin Mooney and Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz