The country will soon have its first “lockdown” system, a move to keep the public safe from crime, a new report says.
Key points:NZ Police Chief Bill Stewart says the system will be rolled out by the end of the yearNew Zealand Police Chief says it will include electronic locks, and people can only access the property if they are wearing a face maskPolice are also planning to have CCTV cameras installed at all entrances and exits to buildingsThe National Police Chiefs Council says it wants the system to be “secure and effective”New Zealand’s Police Chief, Bill Stewart, says he is “optimistic” that the lockdown will go ahead, but that it will be phased in gradually.
“We’re talking about rolling it out as we move through the year,” he said.
“It’s been tested, and it works.
I’m optimistic that it can be effective, effective, and safe.”
The Government’s plan to install a system of electronic locks on buildings, at entrances and exit points, was announced in March last year, and the first phase of it was rolled out in the past few months.
Mr Stewart said it would be implemented by the middle of the month, with CCTV cameras at all entrance and exit locations.
“You can’t get into a building if you’re not wearing a mask, and you can’t go into a vehicle without a face-covering mask,” he told Radio New Zealand.
“That will be enforced with the use of electronic lockdowns, and then that will be a permanent system.”
He said it will involve the use in some buildings of cameras to make sure people are wearing masks, and added that CCTV would be installed at most entrances and at all exits.
Mr Armstrong said the plan was a step forward, but cautioned against complacency, saying people could be exposed to crime if they do not have the right mask or mask system.
“I think that we’ve got to be very cautious in our approach, and there is a real risk of people not being able to get into places if they don’t have a proper mask or a mask system,” he explained.
“And then that can be really scary, because that means you’re in an accident or you’re injured, or you have to be treated, or put in hospital.”
He also urged people to be careful about the use and sharing of technology, including social media.
“There’s a lot of great stuff out there, and I think it’s important that people are aware of what’s going on,” he added.