Community Patrol

Cambridge is very lucky to have a voluntary Community Patrol that works in partnership with the local Police and makes the community safer for everyone.

Patrol Volunteering - Is it for you?

October 2025

Have you ever wondered what’s involved in being part of the Cambridge Community Patrol, or what kind of person makes a good fit?

First and foremost, we’re not imbued with any special powers. We act as extra eyes and ears for our local Police, helping to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, and assisting in the search for missing persons. It’s a vital role that contributes to the safety and wellbeing of our community.

Our patrols are conducted at night, with teams rostered on most days of the week. Those who join us are generally expected to commit to a minimum of two night patrols per month. Patrols run into the early hours of the morning, so it’s important that volunteers are comfortable with late-night hours and are safe, capable drivers with a valid licence.

Volunteer safety is a top priority - we operate in pairs and aim to remain in our fully equipped patrol vehicle at all times. The vehicle is fitted with Police, Ambulance, and Fire Service communications, as well as First Aid and AED kits. One volunteer serves as the observer, completing a written patrol report, while the other drives.

The role is not for everyone, but those who thrive in it are often mature individuals—men or women—with life experience, sound judgement, and practical skills. Experience in First Aid or AED use is a bonus, but not essential.

All volunteers receive training to understand our core mission: supporting the Police in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in both urban and rural areas of our community. We operate under the guidance of Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ), based at the National Police Headquarters in Wellington.

To become a patrol volunteer, you’ll need to:

Pass a Police vetting check
Complete 10 online training modules with a 100% pass rate
Successfully complete a 3-month probation period

The role is rewarding. It offers a meaningful way to give back to your community, make a tangible difference, and be part of a dedicated team working to keep Cambridge safe.

If you think you have what it takes and are interested in helping out when needed, we’d love to hear from you!

Cambridge
Community Patrol's Remarkable Efforts in 2024

Feb 2025

In 2024, our Community Patrol demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness, handling a total of 302 incidents involving vehicles, property, people, disorder, and special services, primarily in support of emergency services. Their commitment to safety and community well-being was evident in the 17,600 kilometres they covered in their ute and the 2,050 patrol hours they logged throughout the year.

Read more about what they have been doing here.

Introducing Cambridge Community Patrol

July 2022

It's easy to feel that you and your family are living your busy lives in isolation. However, in Cambridge we are very lucky to be supported by many unseen community organizations. One of these is our very valuable volunteer Community Patrol.

The Community Patrol drives our roads for up to seven nights each week and has been active since May 2017. All patrollers are volunteers.

The Patrol works alongside our local Police, who communicate and collaborate each night. On a typical night patrollers may secure business premises, help Police search for individuals, observe and report suspicious people and vehicles or find support for vulnerable people out at night. The Police regularly request assistance from the Patrol and the Patrol has been successful in giving Police key information that has led to arrests.

Often the patrol encounters a vehicle suspiciously parked in a secluded area or outside a popular retail outlet at night. When the suspicious vehicle sees the patrol, it immediately leaves the area. We believe that the mere presence of the patrol prevents break-ins and other illegal activity.

Since the patrollers have been operating, they have encouraged commercial premises to increase their security and have found that break-ins have ceased at some premises that used to be burgled frequently.

Our community patrol is fully funded by donations. They receive outstanding support from C & R Developments in Cambridge who provide both the vehicle and the fuel which enable the patrol to operate. The patrol is always seeking mature volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Patrol, please contact Neil Bridgland at info@safercambridge.co.nz