Bay of Plenty Police has been announced as one of six policing districts selected as finalists in this year's Problem-Oriented Policing Awards.

The district was nominated for its ‘Oho Ake' initiative, a tikanga-based intervention programme run in partnership with Tuhoe Hauora that aims to address and prevent Māori youth offending.

File photo.

‘Oho Ake' (To Awaken) helps Māori children and young people who are caught up in the Justice system to reconnect with their identity, whakapapa and whānau.

Since the programme's launch in 2010, it has since influenced government strategy through the Youth Crime Action Plan 2013-2023.

An independent review also confirms it's had having an impacting on reoffending and raising trust and confidence in police, with rangatahi (young people) re-entering education or work environments, parents becoming more engaged with their children and substance abuse reduced.

Now into its fourth year, the New Zealand Police awards recognise and reward police staff for excellence in addressing long term sustainable crime prevention and reduction.

New Zealand Police's deputy chief executive strategy Mark Evans says there were a total of 19 entries for the awards this year and the standard has increased on 2015.

'This year the standard of entries was exceptional, reflecting some inspirational initiatives being undertaken across the country to reduce crime and victimisation.

'Shortlisting the six finalists was a very difficult decision.”

The final will be held at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Thursday, May 5.

The six finalists will make their presentations to a panel of judges which includes Mark Evans plus NZ Police assistant commissioner Grant Nicholls, the Ministry of Justice's Justice Sector deputy chief executive Colin Lynch, and University of Queensland Professor of Criminology Lorraine Mazerolle.

Problem-Oriented Policing involves the proactive identification and analysis of crime and disorder problems and the development, implementation, and robust assessment of effective responses.

Internationally, POP conferences are held to recognise good practice in addressing crime and disorder.

Waikato Police District's detective Ian Foster and detective Scott Neilson presenting on ‘Operation Daydream', one of the six finalists in the 2016 Problem-Oriented Policing Awards. Photo: Police

THE OTHER FINALISTS

Wellington District: Wahi Pai

Analysis identified retail theft as a major problem in Porirua central business district, with Asian shopkeepers over-represented among victims. A multi-faceted approach saw police working with community groups, such as the Ngati Toa Māori Wardens to engage with retailers, working with businesses and partner organisations. The result has been a significant reduction in offending and victimisation and an improvement in feelings of safety.

Northland District: Community safety initiative for the Kaitaia Community

The Te Hiku o Te Ika NPT has developed collaborative approaches to prevent victimisation, with a focus on dishonesty offending. One successful initiative involved the NPT working with the Far North Safer Community Council to develop a community-owned organisation which monitors the CCTV system and deploys patrols to risk areas. Establishment of this organisation, in partnership with WINZ and MSD, has created nine new jobs.

Canterbury District: Facilitating Change in Male Perpetrators of Family Violence

North Canterbury Police identified a gap in services to male perpetrators of family violence. A working party including Police and government and non-government agencies developed Reach Out, a programme which ensures all men listed in family violence reports, not as victims, are contacted and engaged with. During the course of a comprehensive 12-month evaluation, no man that had come into contact with Reach Out had re-offended.

Counties Manukau District: Gandhi Nivas – Early Intervention

Analysis of Police Safety Order breaches by family violence offenders, identified that many men from South Asian communities would return to the family home rather than seek accommodation elsewhere because of the perceived shame. Police and community partners established Gandhi Nivas, an accommodation facility offering offenders 24-hour support. Of men referred by Police, 93 percent have not reoffended. Services are now available to all ethnicities.

Waikato District – Operation Daydream

Waikato Organised Crime Squad terminated Operation Daydream in rural Waikato and Counties Manukau to counter methamphetamine dealing and use. Analysis indicated a lack of community awareness about the drug so educational material was distributed and meetings organised to improve awareness, reduce demand, build community support and increase trust and confidence. Engaging with drug users helped broaden understanding of the environment, reduce demand and provide Intelligence.