A prototype protective screen designed to safeguard sole-charge rural police officers was the brainchild of two Central Otago police officers.
Constable Darren Cox, of Omakau, and Sergeant Mark Gill, of Queenstown, successfully pitched the idea at a ''Dragon's Den''-type event for several police districts late last year.
Senior Constable Sean Hurley (52) was left bloodied and bruised after he was assaulted by a back seat passenger who had earlier been stopped for drink driving on April 10 this year.
As part of the ''Dragon's Den'' challenge, officers were asked to come up with ideas concerning police vehicles, and the pair suggested sole-charge rural officers should have a screen between the front and back seats for extra protection.
As a result of their suggestion, Police Vehicle Fleet Group is developing a prototype protective screen which, subject to successful testing, would be fitted to new vehicles at one-and two-person stations.
Another idea, also from the Southern District, was for all frontline vehicles to have a standard boot fit-out to accommodate all the equipment required by officers.
Southern District commander, Superintendent Andrew Coster, said ''It's great that our Southern staff are coming up with new and innovative ideas that contribute to bettering the police work environment and improving the way we do things.''
