Police spread net wide for more women recruits

Constable Lisa Ross was a hairdresser three years ago. Photo / Sarah Ivey

More women are being urged to join the police in a recruitment drive aimed at pushing up the number of female officers.

Women represent about 17 per cent of the constabulary, but the aim is to get next year's Police College intake to 30 per cent.

From today, pictures of attractive young officers holding books with covers featuring themselves in different policing scenes and the slogan "Find Yourself in Better Work Stories", will adorn bus shelters and websites.

James Whitaker, police recruitment marketing manager, said women were often better at gaining the trust of victims of crime and brought different skills to the job compared with men.

"In fact a recent UN call for more women police officers said female police officers can break barriers and add value in facilitating the investigation of gender-based violence," he said.

"Policing in New Zealand is community focused and education-based, so NZ Police needs staff who can work effectively with a range of people, have patience, great intuition, common sense and mental strength - it could be said that policing relies more on brain than brawn."

The campaign would also push the "family friendly" aspect of a career with the police.

"Thanks to things like our flexible employment options staff can balance work and family commitments," he said. "This might not be relevant to an 18-year-old but many of our prospective recruits like to plan ahead."

Mr Whitaker said it was also about better representing the community.

"Given that about half of society are female it would be ideal if our staff numbers were the same," he said.

South Auckland Constable Lisa Ross, a former hairdresser who features in the campaign, agreed females brought a different perspective to policing.

"I definitely agree that a number of females are good at talking people down. All we do is talk," the 26-year-old laughed. "If they [offenders] are feeling uncomfortable you [female officers] can change the topic and start talking about other things."

Ms Ross had always wanted to work for the police but "had decided I had better get a trade first". She sold her salon and signed up three years ago.

"I wanted to help people and make a difference in the community I lived in," she said.

The keen soccer player and athlete had no trouble with the fitness requirements, but at 165cm tall said she "was not the biggest person".

But confidence came with the job and the uniform, she said.

"You're confident on the street, you have to be," Ms Ross said. "You just assess the situation first and sort of go into it ... obviously you know when it's time to stand back."

She is working on CIB qualifications and hopes to make sergeant one day.

* What the force is looking for

New Zealand residency.

Minimum 6/12 vision unaided in each eye, correctable to 6/6 with contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Medical clearance required for asthma sufferers, operations, or significant knee, neck, back or joint injuries.

Full Class B or Class 1 New Zealand driver's licence.

Declaration of previous criminal or traffic convictions.

Competent swimmer.

No drink-driving convictions.

Fluent English.

Attendance at recruitment information seminar.

Source: www.newcops.co.nz