Sixty-seven new constables will graduate from The Royal New Zealand Police College in Wing 281 on Thursday. Their wing patron is retired Police Commissioner Howard Broad.
The average age of the wing is 26 years and many hold a tertiary qualification such as degrees in Science, Criminology, Nursing, Business Studies, and Education, and diplomas in culinary arts, and exercise prescription and sport science.
Several wing members have represented New Zealand in sports, including European handball, inline hockey, ice hockey, and judo. One wing member competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in smallbore rifle shooting, and holds the highest New Zealand Olympic score in that sport.
The wing was the first to wear White Ribbon supporter t-shirts during the running of the cross country in November. For future wings, wearing these t-shirts is to become a regular feature of the cross country.
Wing 281 recruits join New Zealand Police with a broad range of backgrounds: former occupations include flight attendant, customs officer, financial trader, engineer, travel agent and baggage handler. Wing 281 members have been posted to stations throughout New Zealand.
Wing 281 award winners:
• Minister’s Award for First in Wing was awarded to Constable Timothy Johnston, posted to Auckland. Constable Johnston was also awarded the Academic Award (for the overall winner of Academic Exams 1, 2 and 3).
• Commissioner’s Award for Second in Wing was awarded to Constable Brittany Dykes, posted to Wellington.
• Patron’s Award for Third in Wing was awarded to Constable Benjamin Wallace, posted to Wellington. Constable Wallace was also awarded the Information Technology Skills Award (overall winner in computer skills and skills files).
• The Prevention Award (overall winner in practical assessments and fingerprinting) was awarded to Constable Mark Wilkinson, posted to Porirua. The Prevention Award is supported by the Crimestoppers Trust.
• The Leadership Award (in recognition of having demonstrated outstanding leadership and potential to succeed) was awarded to Constable Henry Johnson, posted to Levin. This award is supported by the Porirua City Council.
• The Tactical Skills and Safety Award (overall winner in defensive tactics, firearms and driving) was awarded to Constable Roy Sparey, posted to Counties Manukau. Constable Sparey was also jointly awarded the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award (top students in all defensive tactics assessments).
• The Weapon Training Award (for the top student in all firearms assessments) was awarded to Constable Reiner Bauerfeind, posted to Wellington.
• The Driver Training Award (for the top student in all driver training assessments) was awarded to Constable Luke Thornhill, posted to Auckland.
• The Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award (for the top student in all defensive tactics assessments) was jointly awarded to Constable Philip Marshall, posted to Counties Manukau, and Constable Roy Sparey, posted to Counties Manukau.
Police Association Awards for Section Achievement:
This is awarded to an individual from each section who, in the collective view of the members of the section and the wing instructors, made the greatest contribution to the overall success of the team.
• Section One Constable Karen Burgess, posted to Counties Manukau.
• Section Two Constable Connor Owens, posted to Counties Manukau.
• Section Three Constable Samuel Upperton, posted to Auckland.
• Section Four Constable Peter Van’t Wout, posted to Hamilton.
Graduation will take place at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 19 December at 2:00pm. The ceremony will be attended by the Police Commissioner Peter Marshall and Deputy Commissioners Viv Rickard and Mike Bush.
Ends
Released by:
Penny Clevely
Communications Manager: RNZPC
Tel: 04 238 3572 | Mobile: 021 1922 181
Email: penelope.clevely@police.govt.nz