Inspired by the Humans of New York photoblog, we’re showcasing some of the incredible stories and experience of people throughout our organisation.
Detective Inspector Blair, Manager, National Drug Intelligence Bureau
Tena koutou, I am a rural boy at heart having been born and raised in the Manawatu.
Having graduated from the RNZPC in September 2001, just days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was a surreal experience and put a sharp edge on the realities of the adventures that lay ahead.
I have worked in a variety of roles in Wellington District, including both Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and uniform positions. I found a passion for drugs and organised crime work, spending over a decade working in the covert arena of policing. This time paved the way for my recent promotion as Manager, National Drug Intelligence Bureau.
Joining the intelligence community and understanding the profession has been a steep learning curve but one I have found very rewarding.
Having the opportunity to develop New Zealand’s drug early warning system, High Alert, has been a highlight. The work of this team genuinely contributes to reducing acute drug harm in our communities through prevention approach.
Working in a multi-agency environment has challenged my thinking about what a genuine health-based approach to drug harm looks like and how much more work as a country we must do in this space.
In our service to the community we get the opportunity to work with people who are often at a low point in life. I have found Police staff, both sworn and civilian, to be incredibly compassionate and not afraid to address difficult circumstances.
We all move through periods in time which are difficult and personally I have found you learn more about yourself in the troughs of life rather than standing at the peaks.
These experiences have helped me develop humility and compassion for the people we interact with.
I leave you with my favourite Maori proverb: He aha ate mea nui o tea o (what is the most important thing in the world?). He tangata, he tangata, he tangata (It is the people, it is the people, it is the people).
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