About

Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a national organisation that was formed in 2001. It supports over 5,000 volunteers in over 150 affiliated community patrols throughout New Zealand.

Community Patrols are organised and operated by their local communities and raise their annual operating expenses through local grants, sponsorships and donations.

Community Patrollers are volunteers working closely with Police as extra “eyes and ears” to assist Police and other agencies to build safer communities.

Community Patrols are independent from the Police but receive regular Police guidance, training and tasking.

​​Founded in 2002, Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a nationwide organisation backed by funding from the New Zealand Police and Government. Our headquarters, situated at the Police National Headquarters in the National Prevention Centre, oversees the support and coordination of 4,000+ volunteers spread across 160 affiliated Community Patrols throughout New Zealand.

Empowering communities for a secure tomorrow, our vision is a New Zealand where everyone feels safe. In partnership with others, we prevent crime and reduce harm through the active presence of trained patrollers.

Community-Powered Safety:
Operated by local communities, our patrols secure their annual operating expenses through a mix of local grants, sponsorships, and donations. Each patrol is tailored to the unique needs of its community, strategically patrolling where and when it best supports both local Police and the community.

Proactive Crime Prevention:
In collaboration with various partners, we actively prevent crime and minimise harm through the dedicated presence of trained patrollers. CPNZ’s vision is a New Zealand where everyone feels safe, and our volunteers act as additional “eyes and ears” for the Police. Through intelligence gathering and keen observation, we assist law enforcement and other agencies in building safer communities.

Independent Yet Collaborative:
While independent from the Police, Community Patrols maintain a symbiotic relationship by receiving regular guidance, training, and tasking. This dynamic ensures a cohesive effort towards our shared vision of a safer New Zealand.