Tongariro/Rangipo's new Prison Manager, Paul Vlaanderen, brings to the job experience that includes protecting royalty, receiving bravery awards and implementing national control and restraint policies.
Paul took the position of Prison Manager at Tongariro/ Rangipo in early February and is looking for for opportunities to develop best practice at the prison to world class standards.
“I have 30 years of experience in policing - the past 14 years in Taupo - so I know the local area very well,” says Paul.
“I am looking forward to using this local knowledge and working with the very experienced unit managers around me to enhance procedures that lead to safer communities.”
Highlights of Paul’s policing career include being Operation Commander responsible for the security of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Taupo, and also for President Putin when he visited New Zealand as part of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
He also worked as a member of a key team in the Teresa Cormack enquiry, and received a bravery award for his involvement in a gang warfare incident in 1989.
More recently Paul has worked with the Public Prisons Service to introduce improved control and restraint training, both in its handling and reporting. He has also worked on the establishment of advanced control and restraint teams in prisons around the country.
“Paul will be a good addition to the Waikato/Central management team,” says former Waikato-Central Regional Manager Harry Hawthorn.
“He has previously worked for the Public Prisons Service so has a good understanding of the environment we work in.”
Harry also acknowledged the excellent work of Dave Pomeroy, who took on the role of acting Prison Manager while a permanent replacement was sought.
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