Will’s Word: Police on the streets means safety, not anxiety

Let me start by saying I respect Tamatha Paul - she's sharp, passionate, and represents a new generation of politicians who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo.

But on this rare occasion, I have to disagree with her recent comments.

Tamatha has suggested that a strong police presence makes people feel “on edge” rather than safe, according to feedback from her constituents.

I don't see it that way. As someone in their early 20s who spends a decent amount of time on Courtney Place, I'd much rather see cops patrolling the streets than not.

Walking through the CBD late at night, knowing there's a strong police presence, is actually comforting, not anxiety-inducing.

If anything, a lack of police would make me feel unsafe.

Now, I get what Tamatha is saying. I even agree that Māori wardens play an important role in the community - I love Māori wardens.

But at the end of the day, Māori wardens don't have the power to arrest someone if they get violent, right?

They can't prosecute criminals or intervene in dangerous situations the way police can.

Listen to Will’s Word on Facebook below.

It's great to have cultural and community-based approaches to safety but they need to be backed up by actual law enforcement.

Tamatha also raises some valid concerns about policing, and I respect her challenging the system when it falls short. It needs to be challenged.

But I don't think the solution is fewer police on the streets. You don't fix bad experiences with policing by getting rid of cops altogether.

You fix it by ensuring police are well-trained, fair and accountable.

If the police are doing something wrong, rightfully, hold them to account, but pretending that a visible police presence is a bad thing? That's where I disagree.

If anything, we need more boots on the ground. Wellington's nightlife is already full of drunken brawls, harassment, dodgy behaviour, and strange people.

The police aren't some oppressive force lurking in the shadows, ready to ruin everyone's night. They're there to stop things from getting out of hand.

And trust me, if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation at 2am, you're going to want them around.

That's Will's Word.,