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April 24, 2023
Keep an eye on the positive says police partnership head
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On April 24, 2023
Download AudioThe new Police director of partnerships for Tāmaki Makaurau says it’s important for people to see the good side of communities as well as the negative side they have to deal with so often.
Superintendent Scott Gemmell’s new role will see him engaging with Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities and well as other government agencies like the Ministry of Social Development, Justice, Health, Education and Oranga Tamariki, and with council and civil defence.
He was welcomed into the job with a pōwhiri was held at Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae in Māngere (19 April), where his five children go to kura and he chairs the board.
He says that’s the sort of interaction that contrasts with seeing people at their worst or most distressed.
“It’s nice for our staff to come and see people in great moments and excelling that that’s a good counterbalance and it keeps people, it keeps us measured and understanding the people are ours, all of our whānau are whānau and we will be there for them,” Mr Gemmell says.
He started out training as a lawyer, but a 40 hour voluntary community placement at the Māngere police station during his second year inspired him to put on the blue uniform when he graduated.
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