Big win in anti-drink driving battle (+ video)

Senior Sergeant Brendon Keenan

Rotorua has had a big win locally in getting through to repeat drink drivers, with 70 offenders going through a new programme that has so far seen none of them drink and drive again.

The Rotorua-based programme has been deemed so successful, it is being considered by other policing districts who want to reduce offending on the roads.

Since the launch of the Alcohol Impairment Education Programme in December none of the 70 course participants has reoffended.

It is a one-day programme and a joint partnership between Rotorua police, Rotorua District Council, Department of Corrections, St John, Te Utuhina Manaakitanga Trust and Lakes District Health Board.

So far 70 people on community sentences have taken part in the course, which is the equivalent to nine hours community work. When it started the programme was focussed on people who had three or more convictions for drink-driving and who were serving community work sentences. Now it is for anyone who has at least one drink or drug driving conviction.

"We'd most definitely like to see it in other districts," Rotorua police road policing manager Brendon Keenan said. "There's been mention of it in Waitemata and Wellington. There's been a lot of support within the Department of Corrections too.

"It seems to be making a real difference - you can see the change in them. They come in all staunch and then they get open to the message.

"I think it's the sad reality of the effects of drink driving - how impaired they really are and the lives that are changed through it.

"We go on about the ripple effect. It's not just them, there are the people at the scene, then the families."

Gemma Bright, the Department of Corrections regional communications manager, said the programme was a "good model".

"It's been a very effective programme for us," she said.

"It's a lot to do with the structure. It's really engaging and run by people who can relate to the offenders. It's not a preach or lecture."

Sessions include the effects of alcohol on the body and myths and facts about alcohol. Participants also get to wear the alcohol impairment goggles and try to navigate a course while wearing them.