What is your current role and what does that involve?

I'm a Detective Constable based at Lower Hutt CIB (Criminal Investigation Branch) in the Wellington Police District. I completed my CIB Induction Course in May 2016 and am currently work through my workplace assessments and exams to become a qualified Detective – hopefully by the end of 2018.

My work involves investigating serious crimes including assaults, robberies or as part of a homicide team. The work is varied and involves interviewing victims, witness and offenders, processing crime scenes, handling exhibits and preparing search warrants.

What role were you doing when Women in Blue was filmed in 2015?

I was a constable on the Public Safety Team in Porirua and loved the adrenaline and variety of the job working in a diverse community.

When did you join NZ Police?

I joined in 2013.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love playing sport and being outdoors. My husband, Ollie, and I love mountain biking together and we ride all over Wellington and New Zealand. I competed in the 2016 Taupo Iron Man and also enjoy half Iron Man distance triathlons, trail running, exploring walking tracks and soccer. I also enjoy spending time with friends.

Why did you become a cop?

I don't have a defining moment or story when I decided to become a police officer. It's a career I have always considered, ever since primary school. I joined because I'm particularly passionate about standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves, particularly the elderly, young children – the most vulnerable in society.

Advice to other women who are thinking about becoming a cop?

I applied to join when I was in the 7th form. A police recruiter told me to go away and get some life experience and to re-apply in a couple of years. As much as I hated hearing that, I think that it was the best advice I was given. I lived and travelled overseas, went to university, got a degree and worked in the corporate world for a while. I definitely felt better equipped to join police as a 24-year-old with a bit more life experience.

The recruiting process can be long and with many hoops to jump through, but I’m glad that I persevered and am now working as a police officer.