Force goes upwardly mobile

A custom-built mobile police station will be in Masterton today and tomorrow. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A "mini-police station on wheels" will be rolling into Masterton today as part of a police move to better engage with the east-side community.

The custom-made police van kitted out as a community station will be based opposite the Te Awhina Cameron Community House in Church St today and tomorrow, with a free sausage sizzle being held for residents tomorrow.

Wairarapa youth and community services manager Sergeant Ian Osland said about seven Wairarapa officers and two Wellington police would be manning the van which will be arriving in Masterton at noon.

Police hoped the van would be a good way to start conversations with residents and find out what their concerns were, Mr Osland said.

"It's a resource that opens up conversations -- it's a new initiative that allows us to bring some resources into an area that is sometimes hard to get access to ... this isn't about crime issues as such. We want to come in there and say 'just tell us what your concerns are'.

"We are going in there to listen."

Members of the team would be in the neighbourhood and talking to residents as well, he said.

"We are looking to build on these two days of activities and get in and become a more positive presence within the area. We want this community to have the trust and confidence to contact us if required and see our presence there isn't always for negative reasons."

Police would conduct an informal survey of residents and then brainstorm ideas to help residents. This could involve lobbying other organisations such as the council or Trust House, he said.

Police were working in partnership with Te Awhina Cameron Community House on the two-day initiative.

Depending on residents' needs, it was possible an officer could be stationed at the house on a regular basis to allow people to talk to police in a more informal setting.

The mobile police base services the Wellington region and if it proved to be a success in Masterton, police could lobby for its use again, Mr Osland said.

The van will be on Church St from about 12.30pm to 4pm today, and at the town hall car park from 8.30am to 10am tomorrow.

From 10am to 2pm it will be in Church St for the free community barbecue at Te Awhina Cameron Community House.