Safety on the Job

IS POLICE WORK SAFE?

There's no doubt about it - police work can be difficult and unpredictable, and from time to time it may even be dangerous. As a police officer on the beat, you may well have to deal with situations where people, including you, are at risk of harm.

But you'll also find there are few jobs as rewarding as police work. As a police officer, you'll regularly finish your day knowing that your actions have prevented others from coming to harm.

POLICE SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT

Keeping you safe is of vital importance to NZ Police, which is why we have a serious attitude toward safety in the line of duty.

How we keep you safe on the job:

Police training

You'll carry out extensive safety training at the Royal NZ Police College and on the job, to prepare you for the difficult and dangerous situations you may come across as a police officer.

Personal Protective Equipment

You'll be issued with state-of-the-art protective clothing and equipment to help keep you safe while in the line of duty.

On-the-job support

You'll work as a probationary officer for your first two years, during which time you'll be paired with experienced officers who will show you the ropes.

Workplace Assessment Programme

During your probationary period, you'll be assessed in various disciplines under the Workplace Assessment Programme, to make sure you're ready to work on your own.

Safety policies & procedures

Following the established police safety policies and procedures will considerably reduce your chances of coming to any harm on the job.

Physical fitness

You'll be encouraged to stay physically fit and healthy, to help reduce your risk of injury at work.

Protecting each other

Your police training will show you how to protect yourself and others from harm. Remember, your colleagues will always be looking out for you, just as you'll be looking out for them.

You'll also be glad to know that incidences of NZ Police officers coming to serious harm are very low. NZ Police officers enjoy lower injury rates than workers in industries like manufacturing and farming. And when you consider the unpredictability of the environments in which police officers work, the excellent safety record held by NZ Police is even more impressive.

IT'S YOUR CALL

Police work may be dangerous at times, but it's also incredibly rewarding, and offers opportunities like no other job. When you join the police, you'll have the support and respect of your colleagues and the community. But in the end, only you can decide whether police work is right for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT POLICE TRAINING AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Find out about the training you'll go through at the Royal NZ Police College, see whether you meet the NZ Police entry requirements, or take the eligibility quiz to see if you could join the police now.