Recruits go to great lengths to join Police

Thirty-nine new police officers will graduate from The Royal New Zealand Police College today.

The graduating constables list integrity, patience, humour, common sense and a high level of commitment to their communities as essential attributes for police officers. The call to join the Police is so strong for some that they will go to great lengths to achieve their goal.

Constable Steve Albrey who will be posted to Auckland Central underwent a rigorous programme of physical training and transformed his life to lose 50kg and be fit enough to make it through the recruitment process. Steve says the challenge, variety and the opportunity to work alongside many different people is what attracted him to policing and he is looking forward to returning to Auckland to start his new job.

The recruits are keenly aware that the public have high expectations of them both on and off duty. Constable Rick Lawrie, who has returned to policing after a 13-year break, knows this perhaps better than his classmates. Rick says there have been many changes to training since he first joined NZ Police in 1984 and this time around feels he is better prepared by a course that encompasses constant assessment of every aspect of policing. He says policing was the best job he ever had and while at 49 he is the oldest in the wing, spending time as a recruit again has been invaluable in forming the strong bonds and friendships he may come to rely on in his police career. Constable Lawrie has been placed second in the wing and has been chosen by his section as the person who made the most valuable contribution to the success of the team. He is posted to Wellington.

The graduation will take place at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 8 November at 2:00pm and will be attended by Deputy Commissioner Provost.


• 39 recruits will graduate - 32 males and 7 females
• The average age of wing members is 29 (the youngest is 20 and the oldest is 49)

To find out more about joining the Police phone 0800 NEW COPS (639 2677) or visit www.betterworkstories.co.nz.