Stabbed officer not put off

Turangi police Constable Chris Whitworth (right) and Constable Clyde Campbell from the commercial vehicle inspection unit at the Turangi Police Station. Photo / Dee Wilson

Turangi police officer Chris Whitworth speaks from personal experience when he says the rewards of policing in a small community outweigh the risks.

The 44-year-old father-of-two experienced the risky side of community policing in September last year after being stabbed while trying to subdue a knife-wielding man.

Mr Whitworth and colleague Constable Clyde Campbell both required stitches for stab wounds to their hands and arms, but were both back on the job within a month.

The 50-year-old man at the centre of the incident admitted wounding with intent and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison last December, following a police search for him.

Apart from a few scars, both police officers say the incident has had no lasting effects.

"It doesn't put you off. Probably just the opposite in terms of making you more determined to help people," Mr Whitworth said.

Although Mr Campbell is not based at the Turangi Police Station, he lives in Turangi and works in the area for the commercial vehicle inspection unit, and was at the station helping with the search. "I've told Chris that it's the last time I back him up!"

Mr Whitworth said on the night of the incident everything happened so fast that he didn't realise he had been stabbed until after they managed to get the man subdued and handcuffed.

Mr Whitworth, who spent six years in South Auckland before shifting to Turangi four years ago, said all callouts carried some risk but there was little point dwelling on it.

"I think I am reasonably laid back, but you are always a bit wary about any situation and need to keep an open mind."

He said Turangi was a good community to work in with plenty of variety compared with some larger stations.

"I think I've learnt more here than in South Auckland and do more on my own, with everything from domestics to petty crime, search and rescue and vehicle crashes."

Policing in a small community also means "you get to know everyone", not just the law breakers. After the stabbing locals dropped off food parcels and there were also a lot of well wishers. He said the team at Turangi were close knit and worked well together.