Community Safety Group holds first meeting - 17/09/2012Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan today said a Community Safety Group, brought together by the Wanganui District Council, met for the first time on September 14.
The group includes representatives of the Department of Corrections (Community Probation and Prison Services), New Zealand Police, local residents, Wanganui District Council, Wanganui Rural Community Board and agencies involved in the care of those exposed to sexual offending. It is chaired by Cr Baker-Hogan.
“The idea behind the formation of this group is to develop a co-ordinated approach by key agencies, on behalf of the community, to deal with concerns about the release of Stewart Murray Wilson in the Wanganui District,” Cr Baker-Hogan said.
“The most important message for our community is that we are working together on this one.
“The Police and Corrections staff outlined the comprehensive Safety Plan and Response Matrix that they developed before Mr Wilson’s release to ensure public safety. After extensive discussion, the Community Safety Group was unanimous in expressing its confidence in the plan which is in place and is being strictly monitored and reported on.
“We will now begin work on a joint approach to informing, educating and reassuring the community so they can be confident that the measures already in place around Mr Wilson will be effective in minimising risk to the public.”
The Community Safety Group will hold several further meetings before reporting back to the Council. The Group will also work within the Safer Whanganui framework. | 
