Royal New Zealand Police College facts for kids
The Royal New Zealand Police College
viewed from Aotea Lagoon |
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| Established | 1981 |
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| Location |
Papakowhai, Porirua, Wellington Region
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| Website | RNZPC |
The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) is the main place where new police officers in New Zealand get their training. It is also where current police officers go for more learning. The college is located in Papakowhai, a town near Porirua City.
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Becoming a Police Officer
New recruits at the college complete a tough 16-week training course. About six groups of recruits, called "wings," start their training each year. Each wing can have 40, 60, or 80 new recruits.
What Recruits Learn
Trainees learn many important skills to become good police officers. These skills include:
- How to drive police vehicles safely.
- How to use firearms properly and safely.
- Forensic techniques, which help solve crimes using clues.
- Negotiation skills, for talking to people in difficult situations.
- Cultural awareness, to understand and respect different cultures.
After finishing the course, successful recruits become probationary constables. They work as constables for two years while they gain more experience.
More Than Just Training
The Royal New Zealand Police College is not only for new recruits. It also offers ongoing training for experienced police officers. This helps them keep their skills sharp and learn new things.
Other Activities at the College
The college is a busy place! It hosts many different events and courses that are not always about police work. It is also home to two important police facilities:
- The New Zealand Police Museum: This museum shows the history of policing in New Zealand.
- The Police Information & Communications Technology Service Centre: This is where all the computer and communication systems for the police force are managed.
Remembering Heroes
The Memorial Building at the college has a special wall. This wall is covered with plaques that honor New Zealand Police Officers who have died while doing their duty. It is a place to remember their bravery and service.
History of the College
The Royal New Zealand Police College officially opened on April 1, 1981. It was opened by Prince Charles, who is now King Charles III. Before the college opened, police officers in New Zealand were trained at the Trentham Military Camp.
See also
- New Zealand Police
