The insignia of rank worn by New Zealand police officers have their origins in our colonial past. In 1846, when Governor George Grey arrived in New Zealand, such was the state of disorder that he introduced a paramilitary force to carry out both policing and military duties.
The uniforms drew on the insignia of rank worn by the British military. There is still a strong parallel with army ranks today.
Police rank insignia
| Police rank | Army rank |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Lieutenant General |
| Deputy Commissioner | Major General |
| Assistant Commissioner | Brigadier |
| Superintendent | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Inspector | Captain |
| Senior Sergeant | Warrant Officer |
| Sergeant | Sergeant |
| Senior Constable | No equivalent |
| Constable | Private |
Progressing through the ranks
Progression through the ranks depends on passing qualifying exams and applying for and being appointed to vacancies. The breakdown of police officers in the respective ranks is:
- Constables 75 percent
- Sergeants 15 percent
- Senior Sergeants 5 percent
- Inspectors and above 5 percent.