High praise for detective duo

HIGHEST TRADITIONS: Detective Sergeant Mark Dalzell (left) and Detective Eddie Evans with District Commander Superintendent Russel Le Prou after last week's presentations.

Two Kaitaia detectives have been recognised for their part in major child abuse investigations, work described as maintaining the highest traditions of the New Zealand police.

Detective Sergeant Mark Dalzell received a New Zealand Police Bronze Merit award, and Detective Eddie Evans a Commissioner's commendation. Both were presented at the Kaitaia police station last week by District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou, who conceded that the police were not always good at celebrating what they did well.

This was an opportunity to rectify that, in recognition of two officers who had done outstanding work, who had given true and loyal service to Kaitaia and to the police.

Detective Sergeant Dalzell's award recognised the professionalism and exemplary leadership he had demonstrated when leading a number of mass allegation investigations.

'These investigations were carried out to the highest standards, under national media scrutiny,' the citation stated.

'The standard of the investigations was such that offenders pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, saving victims from further trauma and increasing trust and confidence in the New Zealand Police.

'The Kaitaia Child Protection Team, led by acting Detective Dalzell, was responsible for the increased reporting of incidents of child abuse to Police by Northland and other New Zealand citizens, knowing immediate steps would be taken to ensure children's safety and well-being. The leadership, professionalism, dedication and empathy for victims shown during these highly sensitive operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of New Zealand Police.'

Detective Evans' citation also noted his professionalism, commitment and team work in the same mass allegation investigations, and as Officer in Charge of another high profile offender.

'The Operation Tevin and Aston investigations were carried out to the highest standards under national media scrutiny.

Both offenders pleaded guilty to numerous abuse charges committed on children over a number of years.

These were significant results based on sound investigation techniques, working collaboratively with the community and partner agencies as a team to achieve results,' it continued.

'Detective Evans showed tenacity and dedication in identifying and supporting a number of victims and witnesses. Without his professionalism, perseverance, patience and empathy in working with victims and witnesses the result obtained would not have been possible.

'Detective Evans' actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of New Zealand Police.'

Detective Sergeant Dalzell acknowledged that 2012 had been a "big year" for the Child Protection team and the police generally in Kaitaia and Northland in terms of offending against children. A lot of very good work had been done, and a lot of people had been involved in achieving the results.

Detective Evans had brought a genuine way with people to the table, he added, while he also acknowledged Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke, and his wife Erana for the support she had given him during a difficult time.

Detective Evans said he had signed up to do a job, but Dudley Andrews, Oneroa Rudolph and Jack Doyle, who moments earlier had received District Commander's commendations for saving three small boys from drowning (Rescuer prepared to lose his life, May 5), had stepped up to do what they did without the same obligation.

"Your families should be very proud of what you did," he said.

"So many police do this job every day and don't get recognised for it," he added in reference to his commendation.