Eighty recruits will graduate as part of Wing 321 this Thursday 13 December, the last recruit graduation of 2018.
This graduation marks the milestone of more than 1,000 recruits to graduate in the past 14 months.
Brian Dickey, Crown Solicitor for Auckland, mentored the wing as their patron. Brian has over 24 years’ litigation experience and has conducted major cases in the criminal and civil jurisdictions.
Between the ages of 19 and 52, the recruits of Wing 321 have varied backgrounds.
Rotorua local Kennedy Wilson was inspired by her father’s Police career, watching him progress to Detective Senior Sergeant.
“I can remember thinking at such a young age that I was so proud and that one day I wanted to have a positive impact like that.”
The 19-year-old recently worked as an Investigation Support Officer for the Rotorua Police Child Protection Team and has been a Search & Rescue volunteer since 2014.
“If there is any advice I could give to someone thinking about joining I’d say, if you believe it’s what you want to do and you have the passion and the drive then just do it. For me I was concerned about my age - I am the youngest on my wing - but don’t let it deter you. For me my age has not once been an issue, in fact it’s something that has been embraced and appreciated.
“The Police is an organisation that is diversifying and what makes you an individual is embraced and respected.”
Josef Jacob, whose uncle is Assistant District General of Police in India, says being in Police has been his dream since childhood.
“The Police gives me the opportunity to help and serve people and give back to the community that gave so much to me,” he says.
Josef was studying at the University of Canterbury and in the Army reserves previously, and will head back to Canterbury District.
New constables Callum Dewsnap and Michael Reid were already colleagues prior to joining Wing 321. They worked together at Police Northern Communications Centre, taking Crime Reporting Line calls.
Michael says he started working as a calltaker to get familiar with how Police operates.
“I thought it would be a great stepping stone to become sworn. I'll miss everyone at comms but I'm excited to enter the world of being a Police officer.”
Michael will be deployed to Auckland City, with Callum deployed to Waitemata.
Prize-winners
Minister’s Award recognising top student – Constable Madeleine Finch, Waikato
Patron’s Award, recognising second top student – Constable Michael Edridge, Wellington
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership – Constable Tremayne Bassett, Counties Manukau
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award – Constable Tim Kirk, Bay of Plenty
Driver Training and Road Policing Practise Award – Constable Simone Head, Bay of Plenty
Firearms Award – Constable Rajdeep Kaur, Canterbury
District deployment
- Northland - 4
- Waitemata - 12
- Auckland - 6
- Counties Manukau - 4
- Waikato - 7
- Bay of Plenty - 9
- Eastern - 3
- Central - 8
- Wellington - 7
- Tasman - 3
- Canterbury - 9
- Southern - 8
Total 80
ENDS
Note to media:
Media are welcome to attend the graduation at The Royal New Zealand Police College in Papakowhai. The formal ceremony begins at 1:30pm in the gymnasium. Media wishing to attend should advise by email to media@police.govt.nz
