Policing Act 'Wiki' Launched

New Zealand Police National News Release

25 September 2007

Today's launch of a Policing Act wiki gives Kiwis an innovative way to suggest the wording for a new Act of Parliament.

The wiki is the latest step in a comprehensive review of the 1958 Police Act.

The officer in charge of the review, Superintendent Hamish McCardle, says the wiki provides an online space, similar to a whiteboard, where anyone can post their ideas on what a new Policing Act should say.

The "wiki" format is similar to that used for the popular on-line encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

"Launching a wiki version of a statute is a novel move, but one we hope will yeild a range of views from people interested in having a direct say on the shape of a new Policing Act," Superintendent Mccardle says.

If successful, one outcome is for the wiki Act to be given to the parliamentary select committee considering the official Policing Bill next year, along with other consultation information generated during the 18 month long review.

"This may well be one of the first pieces of legislation developed in New Zealand with the aid of such an online tool."

The wiki can be accessed at http://wiki.policeact.govt.nz, or by using a link from the Police Act Review website (http://www.policeact.govt.nz).

"All the instructions are on the website and are easy to follow," says Superintendent McCardle, "and users can add their views within minutes."

The Policing Act wiki joins other wikis launched to encourage New Zealanders to engage with public sector agencies. A good example is the Participation Wiki (http://wiki.participation.e.govt.nz), hosted by the State Services Commission.

ENDS

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