Four young men of Indian and Chinese origin, who recently graduated from the Wellington based Royal New Zealand Police College have done their communities proud, adding colour to the New Zealand Police.
Among them are Constables Amit Prasad, Daniel Chu, Sahil Kala and Vishaal Rajan, now serving in various parts of the country.
New Zealand Police are keen to recruit more men and women of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin with the increasing number of people in these communities.
The recruitment process in New Zealand Police is one of the toughest in the world, demanding high standards of physical and mental fitness and ability, character and attributes that are expected of those in law enforcement agencies.
The number of Indians completing the initial training process has been on the rise, encouraging others to seek a career with the New Zealand Police.
Although life as a police officer is tough, demanding and often dangerous, the pay package, perks and the respect that the post commands are all considered attractive.
Amit Prasad
This young man is keen to work in the Criminal Investigation Branch but said he would like to gain experience in frontline policing.
“I have always dreamt of becoming a police office because I believe this is a service that deals with the safety and security of the community,” he said.
Born in Suva, Fiji, Constable Prasad has qualifications in Information Technology from the AMES IT Academy and Certificates in Te Reo Maori and Vocational Preparation (Police), also known as Te Wanaga O Aotearoa.
He was earlier employed at the New Zealand Lotteries Commission in Auckland.
“Life at the Police Training College was tough but it was also fun. I enjoyed driving and firearms sessions and expanded my circle of friends,” he said.
Daniel Chu
This young graduate in Management and Marketing (BCA) from Victoria University evinced interest in the police force even as he was employed as an officer in the Youth Prison in Palmerston North.
“I wanted to make a difference in the community. It may sound rhetoric but that was the main reason for seeking a career with the New Zealand Police,” he said.
Born in Masterton to parents of New Zealand (mother) and Chinese (father) origin, Constable Chu has fluency in Italian and English.
“The firearms training was cool,” he said, adding, “I would like to work in Youth Aid or Crash Investigation, polar opposites almost, but both really interest me.”
Sahil Kala
Police are involved in fighting crime, helping victims, solving serious cases, maintaining law and order, getting involved in various incidents where public need help, all of which are of interest to this young officer, born in Jalandhar City, Punjab, India.
“Police officers are leaders in safety and security and have a huge responsibility towards the welfare of the society and I always aspired to be one of them. I have had great support and motivation from my family and friends to join the Police,” he said.
Constable Kala looked forward to excitement at the Police College.
He was not disappointed.
He regards the experience gained at the institution as memorable, intense and ‘testing,’ revitalising human energy and enthusiasm.
“As well as a tight and strenuous routine that included running, swimming and physical exercises, we were involved in a number of other activities such as the ‘Swim Carnival,’ Billy Graham’s Boxing Academy, the Police Communications Centre. My ambition is to specialise in a field,” he said.
Vishaal Rajan
This young man was born in Australia but New Zealand has been his home since he was three months old. Mangere in South Auckland has been the place of his residence most of his life, which perhaps enhanced his resolve to be a member of the Police Force and serve the community.
“I had always thought of becoming a police officer; a job that would provide me with opportunities to move into different fields. I was an engineering student at the Waikato University before joining the Police,” he said.
Like most of his colleague, Constable Rajan considers the Firearms training as a highlight of his experience at the Police College.
“I hope to join the Criminal Investigation Branch sometime later,” he said.
Editor’s Note: If you are interested in a career with the New Zealand Police, visit www.newcops.co.nz and check online whether you meet the requirements.
