During the event, held in Auckland on June 14 and 15, Mr Hopkins was made national CPNZ deputy chairman and Mrs Metcalfe was presented with a citation for her efforts in helping Dunedin police to catch an armed fugitive last year.
‘‘It was really pleasing to see our patrol doing well at national level,'' Mr Hopkins said.
Mrs Metcalfe received her citation for her actions in May last year, when she put two and two together after hearing about a police manhunt. Spotting a suspicious vehicle parked in her street, she observed a sleeping man through its window and contacted police. The man was subsequently arrested by the armed offenders squad.
‘‘I am certain that the training I have received through CPNZ had a lot to do with it,'' Mrs Metcalfe said.
‘‘You become more aware of things that are out of the ordinary or that are suspicious,'' she said.
Founded in 2002, the South Dunedin Community Patrol sends pairs of volunteers out from its base at South Dunedin Police Station on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to drive around the streets and watch for unusual or suspicious activity.
The North Dunedin Community Patrol fulfils a similar role.
‘‘We operate in a private capacity to provide an extra set of eyes and ears for the police,'' Mr Hopkins said.
‘‘Our members have the common purpose of helping to reduce crime and make our community safer.''
In the past year, the South Dunedin Community Patrol spent 1180 hours on the job, covered 8602km, and attended 291 incidents ranging from disorder to missing persons. Members also reported problems with street lighting, road signs, traffic signals and any other issues.
At present, the patrol had 25 members and more were needed for it to be at optimum operating capacity, Mr Hopkins said.
- Anyone who would like to join the patrol is asked to phone senior constable Ruth Parson, of South Dunedin Police, on 455-1199.
