Party register provides opportunity to ‘nip problems in the bud’

Disorder caused by gatecrashers may soon be a thing of the past after the introduction of a party register by police in Palmerston North City.

With the advent of text messaging and the internet, word of parties can quickly spread and the consequences can both spoil festivities and stretch police resources.

Having experienced trouble with gatecrashers over a long period, including a recent incident where police were pelted with bottles by drunken teenagers, Acting Senior Sergeant Lance Kennedy decided enough was enough.

He has set up a register and through the media is encouraging party organisers to notify police of their event details. Hosts are in turn provided with helpful tips and tactics about how to control their party, such as information about trespass, behaviour offences, noise control and so on.

The party register – contains details of events. Photo: Kim Perks, Central Communications Manager

“We don’t just turn up unannounced at the parties as I believe this would just deter hosts from registering,” says Lance. “What we look to do is make telephone contact before the event starts, and again during the evening to check all is well.”

Patrol officers are made aware giving them the option to do the occasional discreet drive-by.

What it provides is the opportunity to nip any problems in the bud before they escalate and become a more resource intensive situation.

The scheme is already showing signs of success with no trouble at the first party to register, despite the location being a hot-spot for minor disorder.

There was also positive feedback from the hosts.

Ten parties have registered in the first two weeks, and with the festive season fast approaching the number of registered events is likely to increase.

“For the scheme to be effective it is very important that officers on duty make the effort to make the telephone contact with the hosts on the evening and make shifts aware of the event,” says Lance.

“On a busy shift it may seem like a low priority, but if the effort isn’t made, hosts won’t bother to register.

“A well timed phone call, or drive by and turnover, could be the difference between dealing with half a dozen gatecrashers or dealing with dozens of them.”