Females on the frontline: More women join the police force

Number is expected to further increase within a decade

Females on the frontline: More women join the police force

Women now make up 25% of New Zealand's police force, according to the organisation, with the numbers expected to rise to 40% within the decade.

In its announcement, the New Zealand Police described the development as a "new milestone”, as for the first time ever the proportion of female police officers across the workforce has reached a quarter.

And the organisation has come a long way - as the organisation took 50 years just to reach 10% constabulary women, then another 25 to reach 20%.

But in a significantly faster four years, the proportion increased to 25%, according to Commissioner Andrew Coster.

"If we continue to recruit to match our demographics, we project that we will achieve 40 percent in 10 years' time," said Coster in a statement.

According to the commissioner, the increase shows the organisation's efforts is making the police even more diversified.

"This shows how our focus on recruiting to match our workforce demographics to the population demographics is bringing more diversity into our organisation," said Coster.

"Our ambition is for New Zealanders to be able to look at their police service and see themselves reflected back."

In being more diversified, Coster said it helps the police connect more with the communities.

"The really important thing about these numbers is what it means for our communities – a diverse workforce, both in gender and ethnicity, helps us to better connect with our communities and deliver on our mission – to prevent crime and harm through exceptional policing," he said.

Read more: Police, Defence Force ordered to get COVID-19 vaccines by March

The latest increase in the number of women in the police comes as 74 new constables graduated on Thursday.

The graduation was attended by Coster and Police Minister Poto Williams, who previously lauded the growing diversity among the police.

"I'm also happy to see that diversity amongst frontline Police staff is increasing at record levels," he said back in April. "We are seeing more and more women, Māori and Pacific graduates from Police College."

"It's important we continue to increase the diversity of our frontline Police so that they better represent the communities in which they serve."

Wing Patron Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard, who is also a scientist known for her research in protein biochemistry and the current prime chief science advisor, is also present during the graduation.

According to the police force, the wing members also come from a wide range of ethnicities, backgrounds, and careers. They come from different industries, with some identifying as a former teacher, physiotherapist, viticulturist, professional cricketer, joiner, banker, among others.

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