Joint Media Release - Manukau City Council and NZ Police

Mayor Curtis urges locals to consider joining the Police

Manukau City Council has been hosting recruitment open days for the Police and the response to date has been excellent.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the Council is happy to help the campaign to attract local people into the force.

“The Police do a great job but there has always been a problem finding enough staff to stay for long periods in Manukau. That’s why there’s a new recruitment drive aimed at Manukau residents.

“People who have grown up in Manukau know the city well. They’re ideal to serve as Police officers here for that reason. They have a commitment to the city, they know their communities and their communities know them. Locals are familiar with all the nuances of behaviour. They are at ease with difference and comfortable with diversity.

“They’ve learnt at the coalface because Manukau has long been a melting pot of cultures.

“In particular, I’d like to see more women considering the Police force as a career, even if they already have an established career. All sorts of women have turned up at the recruitment open days including nurses, teachers, accountants, courier drivers.

“The Police also welcome people from ethnic communities, and age should not be a factor either. The age range Police are seeking goes up to the 40s because people in that age group have maturity and life experience that is invaluable.”

Counties Manukau Police District Commander Superintendent Steve Shortland welcomed Sir Barry's support.

"As Sir Barry points out, local recruits policing their own community works well on all levels. They are less likely to move away from their home and they are also comfortable in the community they interact with."

The next planned seminars are at the Manukau City Council buildings in the Gallery. The start time is 7.00pm:

ENDS

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