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Once you've passed the assessments and been accepted as a recruit, you'll complete 18 weeks of intensive training at the Royal NZ Police College (RNZPC).
ABOUT THE ROYAL NZ POLICE COLLEGE
Location
The RNZPC is located just north of Wellington. We'll pay to fly you there and back, or pay for your fuel costs.
You'll stay at the RNZPC throughout the duration of your training. You can go home on the weekends (at own expense), but bear in mind there'll be occasional weekends when you'll be required to stay for training.
Intakes
There are multiple intakes every year, with the number of intakes depending on the need for new recruits. Each intake is called a 'wing', and there are generally around 40 to 80 recruits accepted into each wing.
Get paid to train
While at the RNZPC you'll enjoy a salary of $524 per week (after tax), for the 18 weeks of your course.
TV show - watch new recruits going through college
In 2011, Maori Television filmed recruits going through their training at police college. This series is highly recommended and provides an in-depth look at the course content and lifestyle enjoyed by recruits at RNZPC. Watch it here.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN AT POLICE COLLEGE
NZ Police training teaches you practical, hands-on policing skills that prepare you for life as a cop. Below are the main subjects you'll cover as part of your training:
Police Studies
In this part of the course, you'll learn about police procedures, and how to apply them in the field. You'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to be a police officer, and put them into practice both in the classroom, and in the real world during a week of field experience at your home station.
Defensive Tactics
A good level of fitness is required for this part of the course, which will teach you how to protect yourself in the line of duty. You'll learn about handcuffing, baton, taser and OC ('pepper') spray use, as well as calming and restraining techniques.
Firearms Training
You'll learn marksmanship with both pistol and rifle in the college's indoor range. The course also covers law and policy concerning the use of force, safety and related tactics.
Driver Training
The advanced driving techniques you'll learn here will enable you to drive to a very high standard, even under pressure. You'll cover risk and pursuit management, hazard perception and awareness, skid management, advanced driving techniques, vehicle stop tactics and crash scene management.
Computer Training
The computer course comprises 20 lessons covering basic applications such as Microsoft Word, as well as police-specific applications such as the National Intelligence Application (NIA). You will need to have some basic computer skills before arriving at police college.
As a new recruit you'll also be provided with an iPhone and iPad to carry out your duties on the frontline.
Once you've graduated from the RNZPC, you'll work as a probationary constable for two years. During your probationary period you'll undertake a variety of assessments, before becoming a General Duties Constable. As a probationary constable, you'll enjoy a generous starting salary of $58,004 per annum (total remuneration), and have the chance to specialise in a wide range of police careers.
"As a cop, you don't lose who you are, you use who you are to help people." 