Police Commissioner Mike Bush today announced three significant initiatives set to enhance New Zealanders understanding of women in police, and the ability of Police women to excel across the organisation.
Celebrated this morning was a new local reality TV show, produced by Eyeworks New Zealand, featuring women officers in diverse roles, called ‘Women in Blue’.
The show will follow the working lives of police women from a diverse range of professions as they combat crime and support victims in our communities. The show narration is through the eyes of the police women themselves, making it a great way for the public to experience life on the front line in a modern policing environment.
From detective work to search and rescue; from body identification and recovery; to search warrants and domestic violence; to dealing with intoxicated people, the series chronicles how these particular officers deal with the job, both personally and professionally.
Commissioner Bush says “Giving viewers the opportunity to observe officers starring in the show on a regular shift is an authentic way to inspire the next generation to consider a career in policing.”
Also announced this morning was a new recruitment drive to recruit more women to a Police career.
Recruiting women and developing leaders throughout the organisation is a priority for NZ Police so that the organisation can better reflect the community it serves.
“Initiatives to attract women to a career with Police and support their advancement are showing results. The number of women in our constabulary ranks has increased by 46 percent over the past ten years, and women now make up nearly 20 percent of 8,845 constabulary staff.” Commissioner Mike Bush says
‘We're looking for new young leaders with communication skills, empathy and problem solving abilities. These skills are crucial to prevent crime and victimisation in our communities.
One of the additional recruitment promotions during the tv series is the ability for viewers to win the chance of a ride-along with the stars of the TV show by going to a specially created website WomenInBlue.co.nz.
The third initiative is the Police Women’s Advisory Network, a major milestone in the development of women leaders across the NZ Police which has been established by a number of senior women within police to better support the recruitment and development of women.
Commissioner Mike Bush is highly supportive of the new initiative. “I am committed to developing more female leaders within NZ Police. Many of our women leaders are influential within police already. It’s vital that our decision making includes a range of perspectives so that we achieve the best outcomes for all New Zealanders”.
“The establishment of the Women’s Advisory Network takes existing efforts up significantly and positions Police to further develop and support our women to be successful in the future”, says Mr Bush.
NB: The first of eight episodes of Women in Blue will screen on TV One at 7:30pm on 22 April.
Photo attached is of the seven Police officers involved in Women in Blue series. More information can be found at womeninblue.co.nz. From L to R: Constable Patsy Hall, Sergeant Caroline Martin, Constable Jacqui Rodger, Inspector Tracy Philips, Constable Bridget Suckling, Constable Zoe Eginton, Constable Anne Napara.
ENDS
Media Contact: Mere Wilson, Senior Media Advisor on 04 474 8856, 021 192 2918 or via email mere.wilson@police.govt.nz
