Fifty-eight new constables will graduate from The Royal New Zealand Police College in Wing 280 on Thursday. Their wing patron is Simon Moore QC, the Crown Solicitor for Auckland.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill (Acting Head of School: Initial Training) says Simon has been a true inspiration for the new constables.
“He has brought a depth of knowledge and understanding of the frontline challenges these new constables will face. He has spent as much time with the wing as his schedule allowed, experiencing aspects such as driver and tactical options training. They are very privileged to have someone of Simon’s calibre mentoring them.”
At their attestation ceremony, Simon reminded the recruits that they, like doctors, lawyers and judges, are joining a profession where they swear an oath to serve without favour or affection.
After Simon's first visit to the police college he said it was one of the best days he had experienced. He was very impressed with the college and “felt a bit like royalty” because of the wonderful way he was looked after.
“Simon has already asked if a patronage is restricted to just one wing per patron – he is keen to take on another as he has enjoyed the experience so much,” says Detective Senior Sergeant McGill.
Wing Patrons are an important part of Police heritage and tradition. They are selected because they are well known New Zealanders, people of distinction who can be role models for the recruits. Patrons are unpaid – they don’t have to take on this role but they care about New Zealand and they offer their skills, attitude, support and name to the wing not only during the wing members’ training, but throughout their career.
Four award-winners heading south
Eleven members of the Wing are heading to the South Island, 6 to Canterbury District and 5 to Southern District.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said he is looking forward to welcoming the first six of the 48 police college graduates that will be posted to the district in the next eight months.
“Reports from Police College are that the group heading our way are a great bunch that have already shown fantastic community spirit and an innate ability to relate well to others,” said Superintendent Knowles.
One of those is Constable Michelle Prutton who was awarded the Commissioner’s Award for Second in Wing. Michelle took part in a Habitat for Humanity house build project where she helped to raise thousands of dollars to assist a poverty-stricken family build a house in Nepal.
“The experience opened my eyes to the poverty and challenges some people face and this fuelled my desire to become a police officer,” said Michelle.
Canterbury District will also welcome the Driver Training Award recipient Constable Annabelle Carey, the Section Achievement (section one) award winner Constable Andrew Calder and Constable Isaac Kingi who took out the Patron’s Award for Third in Wing.
Also graduating is Constable Shannon Devoy, niece of Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy DNZM, CBE, and cousin of Detective Superintendent Peter Devoy.
Wing 280 members have been posted to stations throughout New Zealand.
Wing 280 award winners:
• Minister’s Award for First in Wing was awarded to Constable Esther Konlechner, posted to Central. Constable Konlechner was also awarded the Academic Award (for the overall winner of Academic Exams 1, 2 and 3) and the Weapon Training Award (for the top student in all firearms assessments).
• Commissioner’s Award for Second in Wing was awarded to Constable Michelle Prutton, posted to Canterbury.
• Patron’s Award for Third in Wing was awarded to Constable Isaac Kingi, posted to Canterbury.
• The Prevention Practical Award (overall winner in practical assessments and fingerprinting) was awarded to Constable Shannon French, posted to Northland. 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 Claudia Schmidt, posted to Auckland. Constable Schmidt was also awarded the Police Association Section Three prize.
• The Information Technology Skills Award (overall winner in computer skills and skills files) was awarded to Constable Kendyl Pehi, posted to Waikato.
• The Tactical Skills and Safety Award (overall winner in defensive tactics, firearms and driving) was awarded to Constable Gareth Sanson, posted to Waikato. Constable Sanson was also awarded the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award (top student in all defensive tactics assessments).
• The Driver Training Award (for the top student in all driver training assessments) was awarded to Constable Annabelle Carey, posted to Canterbury.
Police Association Prizes for Section Achievement:
This prize 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 Andrew Calder, posted to Canterbury.
• Section Two Constable Joshua Parsons, posted to Counties-Manukau.
• Section Three Constable Claudia Schmidt, posted to Auckland.
Graduation will take place at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 14 November at 2:00pm. The ceremony will be attended the Honourable Anne Tolley, Minister of Police, Commissioner Peter Marshall and Dame Susan Devoy.
Ends
Released by: Penny Clevely
Communications Manager: RNZPC Tel: 04 238 3572 | Mobile: 021 326 922
Email: penelope.clevely@police.govt.nz
