Police Officer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Police Officer?
- How to become a Police Officer
- Latest Police Officer jobs
- Police Officer role reviews
What's it like to be a Police Officer?
A Police Officer (Pirihimana) performs a range of duties, typically in an assigned area, with the aim of upholding the law and keeping the public safe. They respond to callouts in public and private places, conduct routine traffic stops, provide security at certain public events and at court, prevent crime by having a visible presence, and solve crimes that have been committed. Police Officers generally work shifts and will be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays at times. They are usually based in a police station but will spend a lot of their time out in communities as well as courts.
Tasks and duties
- Securing and examining scenes of crimes and accidents.
- Maintaining public order and safety and preventing anti-social behaviour.
- Pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders.
- Enforcing traffic law including testing suspected alcohol and drug-affected drivers.
- Providing advice and assistance to victims of crime and their families.
- Dealing with alcohol and drug-affected people.
- Documenting incident reports and maintaining records.
How to become a Police Officer
To become a Police Officer in New Zealand, you need to undergo the Constabulary Recruitment Process and complete a training course.
Before applying for training, you must be able to pass medical and fitness tests, get police clearance, hold a full driver’s license, and meet a number of other specific criteria.
Complete a three-day online course prior to starting Police College.
Attend a 16-week training course at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Porirua.
Undergo two years of supervised and regularly assessed police work before becoming a fully trained Police Officer.
