Police from throughout Auckland will gather in all their finery tomorrow for a rare but important nod to tradition when they march in a Pay Parade along Wellesley and Queen Streets to the Town Hall at 10.10am.
Of the 310 staff in the parade, 195 will be in uniform and even the Police dogs will be draped in Police capes.
The Police Pipe Band will mark the time until the march reaches the Town Hall where participants will be formally inspected by Police Minister Judith Collins, Mayor Len Brown and Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard.
Pay parades were once a regular part of Police life. Officers would line up for inspection in full uniform and listen to an address on topical matters by the senior officer before pay envelopes were handed out. With the introduction of direct electronic banking the tradition all but died out.
The Auckland Police Districts Pay Parade recognises this tradition and will precede an 11am Awards Ceremony in the Town Hall where some staff will be recognised for their long service, overseas deployment and commitment to duty.
The parade and awards ceremony are viewed as opportunities for the Auckland Police districts to formally demonstrate their commitment and service to the people of Auckland City.
Tomorrow's parade was originally planned for March this year but was postponed due to the Christchurch earthquakes.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz