A thought for police working today

Commissioner of New Zealand Police Mike Bush talks with Police Constables Trish Fatu and Jackson Hood, during his visit to Auckland Central Police Station. Photo / Brett Phibbs

As you tuck into your Christmas lunch, pour another champagne and enjoy a day off with your family and friends - spare a thought for the police working in your neighbourhood.

For them, today is like any other. Their job remains the same no matter what the holiday.

There are still prisoners in the cells, crimes being reported and serious incidents that need investigating. There is no day off for the boys and girls in blue.

Today in Auckland Commissioner Mike Bush did the rounds to support his staff out on the beat. He spoke to the Herald at Auckland Central police station.

"The point of this is to show appreciation, to acknowledge all of the staff that are working on Christmas Day," he said.

"All of our staff have families who they won't see today. They're going out in the community and keeping it safe."

Mr Bush also visited police stations in Waitakere and the North Shore and spent time at the Northern Communications Centre, where 111 calls are received and responded to 24 hours a day.

While staff work a shorter shift today, it's business as usual for police.

"It's important to acknowledge their work," said Mr Bush, who left his own wife and children for the day to go to work.

"A lot happens around the Christmas period. There is an increase in family violence and other alcohol-related crime. That puts a lot of pressure on our people. But it is really important that we're here."

Mr Bush spent the morning with his family before heading to work, and will spend the evening with them after he knocks off at about 5pm.

His message to New Zealand was simple.

"Look after each other," he said.

"The reason police work today is because we care about people. My message to everyone is take care of your family, look after each other whether you're on the road or at home and take care of yourselves."

******

COPS TODAY, THE NUMBERS:

While at Auckland Central Mr Bush spent time talking to Constable Jackson Hood and Constable Trish Fatu who were about to head out into the community in their patrol car.

The pair said they didn't mind working Christmas Day, and appeared to enjoy having their big boss on board.

They are among about 2100 police working today across the country. That figure includes frontline staff, criminal investigations branch, custody unit, file management, intelligence officers and public counter staff.