New Independent Advisory Board welcomed to Royal New Zealand Police College

The newly formed RNZPC Independent Advisory Board (Board) was welcomed to the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on Wednesday 31st May.

“The Board is set up to provide strategic and independent advice and a community perspective, allowing the RNZPC to develop the best possible training and professional development for police personnel to succeed in their role. It also helps us identify opportunities for improvement and future focus,” said Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura.

The Board is headed by Chairman Mark Evans (member of the Police Enforcement Division) and is made up of nine external commissioners and one external attendee. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring valuable knowledge, skills and experiences that enhance decision-making at the senior level of the police force.

The appointment process uses a robust selection system and will be used in the future should a member relinquish their role. Each member is appointed for her first two years.

Members are:
Caleb Ware elected to the Board of Directors of Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira.
Dr Tracy Green, Chief Executive of the Australian and New Zealand Police Advisory Board.
Vinod Bal, co-founder of charity Adikar Aotearoa, champions LGBT+ people of color.
Grace Stratton is the director of All is for All, empowering people and communities to embrace disability as a cultural lens.
Alihia Sterling QSM, Te Kula Maori Nga Tapwae Principal of Mangere and Kaupapa Maori Educational Advisor.
Grant Offee MNZM, consultant and former Superintendent of Police with deep knowledge of policing and police training.
Gregory Fortuin, community leader and former race relations mediator.
Melanie Taite Pitama, seasoned governor, academic and educational leader.
Associate Professor Yvonne Crichton-Hill, Director of Social Work, University of Canterbury, focusing on the well-being of Pacific communities.
Ian Lambie ONZM Professor, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of Justice, academic and clinical psychologist specializing in children, adolescents, and juvenile justice.

The Board meets several times a year and may meet more frequently as work progresses. The Board may provide advice on:
• A system to ensure the quality of training materials.
• A bicultural and diversity-centered approach to learning.
• Community expectations of police training.
• Innovation in the design and development of training and learning materials.
• Physical RNZPC campus environment.
• RNZPC governance and operations.
• Police of the future and officers or employees of tomorrow.
• International best practices.

Board member Alihia Sterling QSM said:

“I applaud the visionary Secretary for establishing this RNZPC Independent Advisory Board with members of diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences.

“This will help ensure that police officers and personnel have the broad range of tools they need to meet needs within the communities they serve. , must ensure that they reflect their communities and are able to respond in an appropriate manner to this ever-changing environment.”

Further details of the Commission, which will include terms of reference once approved, are available on the New Zealand Police website. www.police.govt.nz/about-us/programmes-and-initiatives/rnzpc-independent…

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Published by Police Media Center.