Inspiring Community Action
Founded in 2002, Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a nationwide organisation supported by funding from the New Zealand Police and the government. With over 170 community patrols across the country, each plays a vital role in local safety. Among these is the newly established Epsom Community Patrol, which boasts 26 members ranging in age from young adults to 80 years old.
Rod and Alan, the leader and deputy leader of the Epsom Community Patrol, recently visited Epsom Village to discuss their role in providing “extra eyes and ears” for the New Zealand Police.
Rod clarified that while they are not trained to confront criminals directly, the police share valuable intelligence with them and occasionally request their presence in specific areas.
“We operate independently from the NZ Police, but we collaborate closely with them. Before each patrol, we log our plans with police communications, informing them of our patrol schedule, including start and end times. Occasionally, we've enjoyed our patrols so much that we've exceeded our planned time, prompting a call from them to check in! For example, last Thursday, we ended up patrolling for 4 hours and 30 minutes.”
Epsom Community Patrol held their inaugural meeting in May 2023 and conducted their first patrol in December 2023. Currently, they patrol 3 to 5 nights per week, with the aim of expanding to daily patrols, utilizing 2 patrol cars. Comprising an equal number of men and women, the patrol team works diligently to prevent crime and minimize harm. Their presence acts as a powerful deterrent, enhancing community safety and providing crucial support for local businesses.
As Alan puts it, “We have some people joining because they were affected by crime and feel helpless. Joining the patrol gives them the ability to get involved and actually do something”
Rod and Alan engaged our residents with their inspiring speech and sense of humour, effectively highlighting the advantages of volunteering with their organization. They emphasized how volunteering contributes to a safer and more connected Epsom, provides valuable skills in patrolling, communication, and emergency response, and helps build meaningful community connections.
The visit resonated particularly well with our residents, who already know the unique advantages of volunteering later in life and are actively involved in a variety of community roles.
Three of our senior residents were so inspired by Rod and Alan’s presentation that they expressed a strong interest in joining the patrol, eager to contribute their experience and enthusiasm to this vital community service.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Community Patrols in New Zealand you can go to: https://cpnz.org.nz/about-us/
If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz
