Nora Crawford

Nora Crawford completed her secondary education by correspondence while on the family farm near Hawera. Although she completed a course at Massey University and became a herd tester in 1943 she became a member of the third intake of policewomen.

She was posted to Auckland in March 1944 where her duties included dealing with ‘idle and disorderly’ women, investigating illegal bookmakers and sly groggers, patrolling parks and cinemas, and helping the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) to interview female offenders, victims and witnesses. She proved to be particularly adept at the latter task.

In 1955 her interest in fraud and her skills at detection were recognised by the CIB and she was given the opportunity to work on cases alongside her male colleagues. This was a significant accomplishment at a time when many policemen resented the presence or promotion of women in the service.

After attending a qualifying course at the New Zealand Police Training School, Nora Crawford became the first policewoman to reach the rank of detective in 1958. Good natured, forthright, and friendly she took pride in doing same job as the men. She was also given additional duties, including being designated as an escort and bodyguard for visiting dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth in 1953, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 1962. In 1969 she was promoted to the CIB fraud squad.

Nora retired after 23 years of investigative service with the CIB and her reputation as a skilled fraud investigator led to a second career with bank card security. She was influential and active in several police-related groups during and after her police service. Nora was a foundation member of the New Zealand branch of the International Police Association and was involved in setting up the Auckland retired police officers’ club. 1985 she became patron of Recruit Wing 101 at the Royal New Zealand Police College, the first time a policewoman had been honoured.