Venkat Raman
If you are a Citizen or Permanent Resident of New Zealand, able, fit and have a ‘good character,’ the Police would like to know about you.
The New Zealand Police is committed to making our communities safer, but the existing complement of officers (both sworn and non-sworn) is insufficient to cater to the increasing demand for Police services.
Although New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world (second largest actually), we need more cops on the streets, at the police station, within our countries and on the frontline, so that New Zealanders, other residents and visitors are able to access their services whenever the need arises.
More than 1800 Police Officers will be recruited- that is the Government’s promise over a three-year period from 2018. Whether that promise will be fulfilled, would depend on the ability of the Police to attract new people; more importantly, recruit people who are fit and eligible; and even more importantly, retain them.
If you have what it takes to be a New Zealand cop, please read on.
Qualities of a Cop
Forget the cop clichés or TV series stereotypes. The New Zealand Police are interested in you and what you could bring to the New Zealand Police, real people managing real situations with empathy and consideration for all involved.
“Our organisation has a range of diverse people with different backgrounds, experiences and interests. What unites us is that we’re all are working towards the same goal. We want to make New Zealand the safest country in the World. We welcome applications from anyone who’s got what it takes,” the Police Recruitment website says.
Regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, or faith, the Police are interested in applicants who understand different languages and cultures.
New Zealand’s diversity is growing, so bring your background and values to the job.
Above all, you will want to help people in your community.
You will be able to make tough calls, build community networks, and instil confidence in those around you.
You will need the ability to understand the communities you serve and be able to identify and examine the problems that lead to trouble.
Important Qualities
This role can influence the lives of many. If you decide to push ahead and apply, our constabulary recruitment staff will be looking to see if you have these important qualities (a) Outstanding communication skills (b) Empathy for others (c) Unwavering loyalty (d) Commitment (e) Integrity (f) Problem-solving abilities.
A sense of humour is also important.
You will need the ability to understand the communities you serve and be able to identify and examine the problems that lead to trouble.
Don’t worry about your height, as there are no minimum height requirements.
Some Musts
Here are the must-haves:
You must be at least 17 years old to apply and 18 when you start at Police College, there is no upper age limit. You must be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or have New Zealand permanent residency. You must be able to speak, read, write and listen in English. You must be physically fit. You must have good eyesight (minimum visual standard of 6/12 unaided in each eye, correctable to 6/6 with contact lenses or glasses)
And you must have a full New Zealand Driver’s Licence.
You must also be able to (a) Let the Police recruitment staff know about any previous criminal or traffic convictions including warnings, court appearances, and diversions (b) Provide police clearance for any other country that you have worked or lived in for longer than three months.
Photo Caption:
New Zealand Police regularly promote Recruitment at Seminars and Exhibitions (Picture from Facebook)
