62-488: The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) is the central training institution for police recruits and police officers in New Zealand . It is located at Papakowhai , approximately 2 km north of Porirua City. Recruits at the college undergo a rigorous 20 week training course. There are around six intakes (called "wings") of recruits admitted each year. Wings consist of 40, 60 or 80 recruits. Trainees are taught
124-769: A 24/7 service and in July 2019 the Bell 429 helicopters entered service to replace the AS355 Squirrels . In February 2020, an Eagle helicopter was based in Christchurch at Christchurch Airport for a five-week trial. Two maritime units are also operated – the launch Deodar III in Auckland and the launch Lady Elizabeth IV in Wellington, supported by various smaller vessels. The Skoda Superb Station Wagon
186-616: A 'disproportionate number of people' targeted by police Tasers were mental health patients. Police officers receive regular Police Integrated Tactical Training (PITT) with different levels of training, depending upon an officer's role and responsibilities. In 2017, a training model was introduced, and the number of officers trained as so-called 'Level 1 responders' increased to 79%. Level 1 includes training with pistols, rifles, tasers, defensive tactics, handcuffs, OC spray and batons. In 2019, Level 1 responder live-fire training and simunitions training increased by 50%. Police annually release
248-499: A caretaker civilian leader of police, especially titled "controller general" to recognise his non-operational background, opened the windows on the organisation and allowed a period of positive and constructive development to take place. In 1953 police horses were retired. In 1958, the word force was removed from the name when legislation was significantly revised. On 1 July 1992, the Traffic Safety Service of
310-477: A constable's statutory powers are not required. Rank insignia are worn on epaulettes . Officers of inspector rank and higher are commissioned by the Governor-General , but are still promoted from the ranks of non-commissioned officers . A recently graduated constable is considered a probationary constable for up to two years, until he or she has passed 10 workplace assessment standards. The completion of
372-467: A drone was used in a criminal investigation and led to charges being laid in court. Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff said "organisations using drones needed good privacy policies – or possibly a warrant". The Air Support Unit, commonly known as Eagle, is based in Auckland at Auckland Heliport, Pikes Point, Onehunga and operates three Bell 429 GlobalRanger helicopters. In October 2017, the Eagle became
434-484: A firearm. In October 2015, unarmed officers at a routine police checkpoint at Te Atatū South who pursued a vehicle that sped off from the checkpoint were shot at from the offender's vehicle. In December 2015, the Police Association referred to the incident while requesting that all frontline officers receive firearm training and that their vehicles contain a secured firearm. This was rejected. In July 2015,
496-661: A geographical area of responsibility and a central station from which subsidiary and suburban stations are managed. As of March 2019, there are 327 police stations around the country with nearly 12,000 staff who respond to more than 600,000 emergency 111 calls each year. The Commissioner is in overall charge of the New Zealand Police. Assisting the Commissioner are two chief officers in the rank of Deputy Commissioner : Deputy Commissioner-Resource Management; and Deputy Commissioner-Operations. Five chief officers in
558-422: A holster attachment in case they do need a pistol. Since 2012, frontline vehicles have had a locked box in the passenger foot-well containing two loaded and holstered Glock 17s and, in the rear of the vehicle, a locked case with two Bushmaster rifles and ballistic vests . Vehicles are fitted with alarms in case windows are broken. Each officer carries vehicle keys and safe keys. The Police Association claims
620-592: A local civilian saw Graham carrying his rifle and ammunition belts on 20 October. He was shot by Constable James D'Arcy Quirke with a .303 rifle, from a distance of 25 metres, while crawling through a patch of scrub. He died early the next morning in Westland Hospital , Hokitika . Corruption in New Zealand This article discusses the responsibilities of the various agencies involved in combating corruption in New Zealand . New Zealand
682-698: A number of workplace assessments. Once the detective constable has completed all of this they are then required to sit a pre-requisite exam based on all of the exam based modules they have previously sat. If they are successful in passing this they attend the Royal New Zealand Police College where they complete their training with the Detective Qualification course before receiving the final designation of detective. All of these requirements are expected to be completed within two to three years. The rank of Senior Constable
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#1732779978902744-495: A police officer with a detective designation will generally assume control of a serious crime scene rather than a uniform staff member regardless of rank. To promote to the rank of a sergeant, constables must have a good understanding of general policing and pass the Core Policing Knowledge examination. Once completed, they are then eligible for promotion. Authorised officers are non-sworn staff who do not have
806-486: A report of their use of force including OC spray, Tasers and firearms. In 2006 the New Zealand Police introduced stab-resistant vests , police used the Stab Resistant Body Armour (SRBA) and the ballistic Hard Armour Plate (HAP) used during firearm events as a ballistic cover plate . The SRBA was dark blue with police being written largely across the back with Sillitoe tartan markings above. On
868-466: A scale from 0 ("highly corrupt") to 100 ("very clean"). Those countries are then ranked by their score; the country ranked first is perceived to have the most honest public sector. In the 2023 Index, New Zealand earned the third highest score worldwide, 85. The best score was 90 (ranked 1), the average score was 43, and the worst score was 11 (ranked 180). In the Asia Pacific region New Zealand's
930-399: A separate Provincial Police Force Act being passed by the parliament. However, provincial policing models lasted only two decades as economic depression in the 1870s saw some provinces stop paying their police as they ran out of money. Eventually, the government decided a single nationally organised police would be the best and most efficient policing arrangement. The New Zealand Police Force
992-684: A variety of skills relating to police vehicle use, firearms use, forensic techniques, negotiation and cultural awareness. Successful graduates become probationary constables for a period of two years. As well as ongoing officer training, the RNZPC hosts other non-police related courses, conferences and events. The college is also home to the New Zealand Police Museum , and the Police Information & Communications Technology Service Centre (where information technology for
1054-506: A wide range of different cars and motorbikes over the years. New Zealand Police officers carry OC spray (pepper spray), batons and tasers (stun guns). The only officers who routinely carry firearms are members of the Dignitary Protection Squad , and those with dog and airport units. All officers are trained to use Glock 17 pistols and Bushmaster XM15 M4A3 Patrolman AR-15 type, semi-automatic rifles and wear
1116-603: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a New Zealand building or structure is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This law enforcement –related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . New Zealand Police The New Zealand Police ( Māori : Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa ) is the national police service and principal law enforcement agency of New Zealand, responsible for preventing crime, enhancing public safety, bringing offenders to justice, and maintaining public order . With over 15,000 personnel, it
1178-605: Is a member of Interpol and has close relationships with the Australian police forces , at both the state and federal level. Several New Zealand Police representatives are posted overseas in key New Zealand diplomatic missions. It is acknowledged, by both police and legislation, that important and valuable roles in the performance of the functions of the police are played by: public agencies or bodies (for example, local authorities and state sectors), persons who hold certain statutory offices (for example, Maori Wardens), and parts of
1240-516: Is divided into three to five districts. District Commanders hold the rank of superintendent , as do sworn National Managers, the road policing manager in the Waitemata District, responsible for the motorway network and traffic alcohol group. Area Commanders hold the rank of inspector as do Shift Commanders based in each of the three Communications Centres. District Section Commanders are typically senior sergeants. The New Zealand Police
1302-446: Is granted to Constables after 14 years of service and the Commissioner of Police is satisfied with their conduct. Senior Constables are well regarded within the New Zealand Police for their extensive policing experience, and are often used to train and mentor other police officers. Detective and detective constable are considered designations and not specific ranks. That is, detectives do not outrank uniformed constables. Nevertheless,
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#17327799789021364-473: Is regarded as having one of the lowest levels of corruption in the world. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is the lead law enforcement agency for investigating and prosecuting serious financial crime, including bribery and corruption. In 2020, the SFO reported that it had seen a 40 percent increase in cases involving public officials, central and local government, in the past five years. The Electoral Commission
1426-500: Is responsible for the administration of parliamentary elections and promoting compliance with electoral laws, including those around the size and transparency of donations. If they believe the law is being broken, they refer the matter to the Police or Serious Fraud Office. The Independent Police Conduct Authority is an independent body that considers complaints against New Zealand Police and oversees their conduct. Under section 12 of
1488-897: Is the current generic road vehicle of choice for the New Zealand Police slowly replacing the Holden Commodore . In the past police have used the Ford Falcons and the Nissan Maxima . And as of June 2023 police began road trials of the fully electric BMW i4. The Highway Patrol division mainly uses the Skoda Superb slowly replacing the Holden Commodore LT variant along with the VF Commodore SV6 and Evoke. Marked vehicles liveries are chequered Battenburg markings yellow-blue. Highway Patrol uses
1550-405: Is the largest law enforcement agency in New Zealand and, with few exceptions, has primary jurisdiction over the majority of New Zealand criminal law . The New Zealand Police also has responsibility for traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement as well as other key responsibilities including protection of dignitaries , firearms licensing, and matters of national security . Policing in New Zealand
1612-584: Is to ensure citizens receive 'fair play' in their dealings with government entities, and they investigate where required. Over the years the powers of the Office have been extended to include education and hospital boards (from 1968), local government agencies (1975), requests under the Official Information Act (2003) and in 2005, all crown entities. New Zealand has ratified several important international anti- corruption conventions such as
1674-594: The Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 , "the Authority's functions are to: receive complaints alleging misconduct or neglect of duty by any member of Police or concerning any Police practice, policy or procedure affecting a complainant; and to investigate incidents in which a member of Police (acting in the execution of his or her duty) causes or appears to have caused death or serious bodily harm." The Ombudsman's role
1736-700: The armed offenders squad (AOS). The AOS also has its own vehicles, commonly the Toyota Land Cruiser and prior to that the Nissan X-Trail and the Toyota Highlander (all unmarked are equipped with bull bars). They briefly used the Holden Acadia with unique markings in the upper/middle North Island during the controversial Armed Response Team trial (see below). The police and Ministry of Transport (see history above) had used
1798-461: The reconstruction effort , the Kingdom of Tonga , Thailand for the tsunami disaster and Indonesia after terrorist bombings . New Zealand Police maintains an international policing support network in eight foreign capitals, and has about 80 staff deployed in differing international missions. In 1936, there was "a proposal to establish a women police branch in New Zealand", and former principal of
1860-534: The Body Armour System (BAS) in 2019. The BAS are a big upgrade with better stab-resistant technology, the ability to fit ballistic hard armour plates into the vest instead of having to wear an additional vest for ballistic protection and better ability to customise the vest layout of tactical equipment. The BAS looks similar to the SRBA with only subtle differences including the removal of the two pouches over
1922-736: The British model closely but, since the 1970s, a number of changes have been implemented. These include the adoption of a medium blue shade in place of dark blue, the abolition of custodian helmets and the substitution of synthetic leather jackets for silver buttoned tunics when on ordinary duty. The normal headdress is a peaked cap with blue and white Sillitoe tartan band and silver badge. Baseball caps and Akubra wide-brimmed hats are authorised for particular duties or climatic conditions. Stab resistant and high visibility vests are normally worn on duty. The body vests are also marked with Sillitoe tartan markings. AOS and STG members, when deployed, wear
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1984-612: The Ministry of Transport was merged with the police. Up until that time, the Ministry of Transport and local councils had been responsible for traffic law enforcement. In 2001, the police re-established a specialist road policing branch known as the "highway patrol". Today the police are mainly responsible for enforcing traffic law, while local councils can appoint parking wardens, who can enforce traffic rules regarding parking and special vehicle lanes. In 2010, after some calls to split traffic enforcement again from standard police duties, it
2046-641: The New Zealand Permanent Militia. Just a decade later, policing in New Zealand was given a significant overhaul. In 1898 there was a very constructive Royal Commission of Enquiry into New Zealand Police. The Royal Commission, which included the reforming Commissioner Tunbridge who had come from the Metropolitan Police in London, produced a far-reaching report which laid the basis for positive reform of New Zealand Police for
2108-450: The New Zealand Police were women, but by 2024 38.5% of all New Zealand Police employees were women and 26.1% of all constabulary staff (excluding recruits) were women. In 2023 on international women's day Director of Recruitment Paula Hill said “As at 31 January this year we had 2,679 full time equivalent constabulary women, this means 25.6% of all constabulary are women – this is the first international women’s day where more than 1 in 4 of
2170-641: The OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and the United Nations Convention against Corruption . New Zealand is regarded as having one of the lowest levels of corruption in the world. Transparency International 's Corruption Perceptions Index scores 180 countries according to the perceived corruption of their public sector on
2232-494: The Police Commissioner announced that Tasers would be routinely carried by police officers. Tasers were first trialled in 2006 and in 2010 were rolled out throughout New Zealand with all frontline vehicles containing an X26 or X2 Taser in a locked box. As of February 2024 police have begun rolling out the new Taser 10 weapon system across the country to replace the outdated Taser X2. In 2012, figures showed that
2294-536: The United States . The current minister of police is Mark Mitchell . While the New Zealand Police is a government department with a minister responsible for it, the commissioner and sworn members swear allegiance directly to the sovereign and, by convention, have constabulary independence from the government of the day. The New Zealand Police is perceived to have a minimal level of institutional corruption . Policing in New Zealand started in 1840 with
2356-430: The Wellington region. The trial was perceived as having been successful and New Zealand Police planned to roll out digital encrypted radios to all regions. However, this has not progressed as planned and only the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have digital encryption. In 2012, the police began using drones also known as unmanned aerial vehicles. By 2013, drones had been used only twice; in one case
2418-488: The above is known as obtaining permanent appointment. Detective ranks somewhat parallel the street ranks up to detective superintendent. Trainee detectives spend a minimum of six months as a constable on trial after completing an intensive selection and induction course. During these initial six months they are required to pass four module based exams before progression to detective constable. They are then required to continue studying with another six exam based modules as well as
2480-627: The arrival of six constables accompanying Lieutenant Governor William Hobson 's official landing party to form the colony of New Zealand. Early policing arrangements were along similar lines to the UK and British colonial police forces, in particular the Royal Irish Constabulary and the New South Wales Police Force . Many of its first officers had seen prior service in either Ireland or Australia. The early force
2542-530: The carrying of handguns is inevitable. In January 2013, a Waikato officer was attacked by at least five men after he deployed his OC spray and Taser. His radio was taken from him and his pistol was 'misplaced' during the attack. The Police Association's request for routine carrying of firearms for all officers after this incident was dismissed by the Police Commissioner. The current firearm training and issuing policy has been criticised. Not all police officers receive regular firearm training and not all vehicles contain
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2604-477: The central North Island in the dying stages of the New Zealand Wars . From the police force's beginnings in 1840 through the next 40 years, policing arrangements varied around New Zealand. Whilst the nationally organised armed constabulary split its efforts between regular law enforcement functions and militia support to the land wars, some provinces desired local police forces of their own. This led to
2666-415: The constabulary workforce in New Zealand Police are women." In 2020, hijabs were introduced as part of the uniform for Muslim women. The Police National Headquarters provides policy and planning advice as well as national oversight and management of the organisation. Although headed by a Commissioner , the New Zealand Police is a decentralised organisation divided into 12 districts. Each district has
2728-482: The front the police emblem and police was written much smaller on the left side over the heart with the Sillitoe tartan markings being shorter and across both lower shoulders. There were also two pouches over the stomach one on the left and one on the right with almost all tactical equipment being held on a duty belt. The stab-resistant vests were seen as a massive success and the SRBA was used until its replacement by
2790-513: The livery on marked Dog Squad vehicles is the same yellow-blue Battenburg markings as other front line police vehicles but have special markings that state Dog Unit on the sides, back and front. Dog Squad vehicles are equipped with cages in the rear and remotely operated canopy doors to allow the handler to release their dog if away from the vehicle. The police also use vans and trucks as Team Policing Units, command centres, mobile police stations, Mobile Road Safety Base (previously booze bus) and for
2852-553: The next several decades. A complete review of police legislation in 1908 built significantly off the Royal Commission's work. A further police force act, in 1947, reflected some changes of a growing New Zealand, and a country coming out of World War II . The most significant change in the structure and arrangement for police came after the departure of Commissioner Compton under a cloud of government and public concern over his management of Police in 1955. The appointment of
2914-608: The police in 1941 but were not issued uniforms. One of the first intakes was Edna Pearce , who received the badge number S1 when she was finally issued a uniform in 1952. Pearce made the first arrest by a female police officer in New Zealand. By January 1949, officer R. M. Hadfield did a cross-Tasman interchange, working for two months in Sydney, a month in Melbourne, and Tasmania. At the time, female officers wore only small badges under their coat lapels. In 1992 less than 10% of
2976-480: The power of arrest. They work as jailers, guards, transport enforcement officers and specialist crime investigators, such as electronic crime investigators and forensic accountants. They wear black uniforms, rather than the blue uniforms of sworn officers. The number of authorised officers increased following the recommendation of a 2012 review of the police that they be used to take some of the workload from sworn officers. New Zealand police uniforms formerly followed
3038-482: The prevention, investigation, disruption and prosecution of serious and transnational crime. It also leads liaison, overseas deployment and capacity building with international policing partners. The Assistant Commissioner-Operations is responsible for Community Policing, Youth, Communications Centres, Operations Group, Prosecutions and Road Policing. The remaining three Assistant Commissioners command geographical policing areas – Upper North, Lower North and South. Each area
3100-756: The private sector, especially the private security industry. It is also acknowledged that it is often appropriate, or even necessary, for police to perform some of its functions by working in co-operation with citizens, or other agencies or bodies. The New Zealand Police is organised into 12 districts: nine in the North Island and three in the South Island . Each district is subdivided into between two and four areas: New Zealand Police operate five communications centres that are responsible for receiving 111 emergency calls , 105 non-emergency calls , *555 traffic calls and general calls for service and dispatching
3162-742: The rank of Assistant Commissioner and the Director of Intelligence report to the Deputy Commissioner-Operations. The Assistant Commissioner-Investigations/International is responsible for the National Criminal Investigations Group, the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ), Financial Crime Group, International Services Group and Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat. The Investigations and International Group leads
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#17327799789023224-489: The relevant response. The centres include: A police employee becomes a constable by swearing the oath under section 22 of the New Zealand Policing Act 2008. Upon doing so the constable receives certain statutory powers and responsibilities, including the power of arrest. While constables make up the majority of the workforce, non-sworn staff and volunteers provide a wide range of support services where
3286-457: The same livery just with special markings stating Highway Patrol on the sides, back and front. Rural police often use ute and SUV-type vehicles but these vehicle are also used in urban areas. Police also use a wide variety of vehicles in standard factory colours with hidden emergency lights, commonly referred to as unmarked or undercover vehicles. Dog handlers have fully enclosed utility or station wagon vehicles, which may be liveried or unmarked,
3348-417: The stomach being replaced with small straps that allow for any tactical equipment wanted to be stored on the vest instead of a duty belt and a new font for the police markings. On 8 October 1941, four police officers were killed by South Island farmer Stanley Graham , 40, who fired at them as they attempted to seize arms from his West Coast home at Kowhitirangi. After widespread searches, two policemen and
3410-530: The usual charcoal-coloured clothing used by armed-response and counter-terror units around the world. In 2008, a survey found strong staff support for the re-introduction of the white custodian helmets worn until 1995, to reinforce the police's professional image. Police officers communicate with each other via Apple iPhones . For shorter, fast communication, front-line police officers also use radios. In 2009 New Zealand Police began moving from using analogue two-way radios to trialling digital encrypted radios in
3472-653: The whole of Police is managed). The Memorial Building has a wall covered with plaques dedicated to New Zealand Police Officers killed on duty. The college was opened by Prince Charles on April 1, 1981. Prior to this, the police training facility was based next to the Trentham Military Camp in Upper Hutt. 41°07′14″S 174°51′37″E / 41.120428°S 174.860236°E / -41.120428; 174.860236 This New Zealand university, college or other education institution article
3534-608: The women's section of the South Australia Police , Kate Cocks (1875–1954), attended to speak to the member of the government, the commissioner of police, and a gathering of women's societies. Cocks was the first of two female officers in December 1915 with the SA Police, until her retirement in 1935, with the largest women's section of all Australian state law enforcement agencies. Women were first admitted to
3596-492: Was decided that it would remain part of their duties, partly due to the public having shown "enormous support" for it remaining this way. The Police Act 1958 was extensively reviewed starting in 2006, after a two and a half-year consultative process the Policing Act 2008 came into effect on 1 October 2008. The process included the world's first use of a wiki to allow the public to submit or propose amendments. The wiki
3658-528: Was established as a single national force under the Police Force Act of 1886. The change in name was significant, and provincial policing arrangements were dis-established and their staff largely absorbed into the newly created New Zealand Police Force. At the same time, the government took the important step to hive off the militia functions of the old armed constabulary, and form the genesis of today's New Zealand Defence Force, initially called in 1886
3720-572: Was initially part police and part militia . The Constabulary Act 1846 aided at "preserving the peace, and preventing robberies and other felonies, and apprehending offenders against the peace." The Armed Constabulary Act 1867 focused the force on dealing with unrest between the indigenous Māori and the encroaching European settlers and the force grew to 200 musket-trained men. The armed constabulary took part in military actions against Māori opponents Riwha Tītokowaru in Taranaki and Te Kooti in
3782-498: Was introduced in 1840, modelled on similar constabularies that existed in Britain at that time. The constabulary was initially part police and part militia . By the end of the 19th century policing by consent was the goal. The New Zealand Police has generally enjoyed a reputation for mild policing, but there have been cases when the use of force was criticised, such as during the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and
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#17327799789023844-644: Was open for less than two weeks, but drew international attention. More recently, the New Zealand Police has been involved in international policing and peacekeeping missions to East Timor and the Solomon Islands , to assist these countries with establishing law and order after civil unrest. It has also been involved in community police training in Bougainville , in conjunction with Australian Federal Police . Other overseas deployments for regional assistance and relief have been to Afghanistan as part of
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