This week's Newsmaker is Sergeant Pauline Jones of the Rotorua police, who has been involved in attending several crashes this week.
How long have you been in the police force and what prompted you to join?
I've been in 22 years. I wanted to join because of the variety of work, the offer of exciting challenges (and it is), employment security and better pay. It appeared to be an amazing career and it is.
What other roles have you held in the police?
I've been a general duties officer, in the crime control unit (attachment to the CIB), a strategic traffic officer, file briefing officer, district recruiting officer, overseas deployment staff officer and sergeant in road policing.
What do you love about your job?
The great people I work with (camaraderie), the variety of work and the work opportunities available.
There have been a series of crashes lately, what do Rotorua people need to remember when on the roads?
Crikey, where do I start? Despite all the advertising around road safety people still continue to crash. So what people need to remember when on the roads are don't drink and drive, speed, drive when your tired, text while driving, drive beyond your licence conditions, capability and experience. Always drive to the conditions, wear your seat belt, use your common sense. And be patient and courteous.
Where are the worst places for crashes in Rotorua?
Intersections. Generally people either don't give way or stop as required, and/or fail to make sure the way is clear before proceeding. The two worst intersections are Hemo and Old Taupo Rds and Amohau and Ranolf St.
What frustrates you most with drivers?
A lack of common sense, impatience and total disregard for the well being of other road users. Also the belief that committing driving offences is of no, or minor, consequence.
If you weren't in the police, what other job would you want to do?
Mmm, dont know. I'm happy to give anything a go. I'm open minded, receptive to change and enjoy challenges. If it happened to involve a lot of overseas travel, pays well and offers variety of work - perfect.
Tell us three things about yourself most people wouldn't know.
I am a born and bred Gisborne girl, where I lived for the first 30 years of my life.
Prior to Rotorua police, I worked for two years in Gisborne and five years in Whakatane.
I can think of anything else I'm willing to share.