Rotorua Senior Constable Jude Clifton with the unique member of the police service's fleet, during a series of school visits across that region last month. Photo / File
It may not be the most practical vehicle for a pursuit or general road duties but the police-branded tractor is a "very good" conversation starter when it comes to touching base with members of the rural public, Taradale police Senior Constable Pete Gimblett says.
The tractor, distinctive in blue, yellow
and white - with flashing emergency lights, of course - has been doing the rural rounds of Hawke's Bay since the start of the month and is set to go "on duty" at the Meeanee Hall this afternoon.
It attracted plenty of attention at the first two of five planned Community Crime Prevention Get-Togethers across the Bay, and is something of a barrier breaker in getting people to touch base with police.
The gatherings are aimed at informing the rural communities about police approaches to crime in country regions, including prevention measures, who to contact and what is being done in terms of better community security.
Mr Gimblett said gatherings at Patoka and Sherenden had been well attended by locals of all ages.
