Sergeant Ross Donaldson MSCEPT. I graduated from Waikato University in 1991 with a BSc. After spending 13 years working abroad I returned to NZ and joined the Police in 2006. I have always worked in the Counties Manukau West area and have been in my role as Mangere South Sergeant for the past 8 years. Father of two teenage kids and enjoy going to the gym in my spare time.
Presentation
Addressing anomie: implementing an evidence-based, problem-oriented policing response at a New Zealand social housing complex
Sergeant Ross Donaldson1 & Dr Claire Phipps1
1New Zealand Police
A state housing complex in Auckland came to Police attention due to a high number of calls for service (CFS) and dialogue with a partner agency who identified social issues and unreported offending at this location.
Analysis consisted of an exploration of the CFS and a residents’ survey. A neighbourhood engagement survey (NEST) was co-designed with partner agencies and explored the experiences of the tenants. The survey explored perceptions of several offences and ongoing social issues. It was undertaken by local Police and partner agency staff, who had a relationship with the residents.
Analysis of CFS revealed that most related to bail breaches, followed by family harm and mental health issues. The survey identified fear amongst the residents with vehicle crime and noise. The social issues experienced included gambling, alcohol/drugs, unemployment, and financial pressures. As such, the objective of this project was to reduce residents’ fear, and victimisations, by increasing a sense of community and reducing stress.
The tactic chosen was to run a community expo day involving a shared barbecue, partner agency tables, and activities to encourage the resident interaction. The day was successful as evidenced by the turnout of residents, the results of both an in-situ intercept survey as well as a post-expo NEST survey. The long-term impact of this intervention is being monitored. This approach is being further tested in other locations across New Zealand.