Police did not anticipate people taking advantage of situation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, says Government Inquiry
Police did not anticipate people taking advantage of situation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, a Government Inquiry has found.
The Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Event heard that multiple reports of lawless and anti-social behaviour in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Inquiry, led by former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, was set up by Government to review the response to Cyclone Gabrielle, and other North Island weather events last year.
The Inquiry said reports it received included looting of businesses and homes, fights breaking out between members of the public and patched gang members, and individuals using stand-over tactics towards customers exiting supermarkets.
“We heard that looting was a particular issue in some rural areas. At least one business had to hire additional security to prevent further looting from its premises. Those affected told us these experiences caused additional trauma for people in what was already a very stressful situation. “
“We were advised that the Police were not anticipating people to take advantage of the situation as quickly as they did. During an emergency, Police decide how to prioritise deployment of local resources between emergency service activities and business as usual activities.”
The Inquiry said that in the early days of Cyclone Gabrielle, due to the loss of communications infrastructure in Hawke’s Bay, Police did not have a clear picture of the scale of theft and anti-social behaviour.
“As the need for additional resourcing, particularly in relation to missing persons and community reassurance, became clear, police mobilised additional staff into the region.”
"Police have advised that, for future similar situations, proactive deployment of staff for community reassurance will be an early priority. The Inquiry endorses this approach.”
Photo: NZ Police
