Training For Police Work

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31480, 21 September 1967, Page 10

Training For Police Work

Since 1957 when the police began accepting cadets in addition to normal recruit intakes, more than 200 entrants of 17 and 18 years of age have been accepted for the 19-month cadet course at the Police Training School, Trentham. Each year about 80100 cadets enter the school to graduate in August of the next year.

Though New Zealand was one of the last Englishspeaking countries to . start accepting cadets cadet training as such first began about 1935 in Lincolnshire — it now has a scheme second to none. This is no parochial view, as visiting overseas police officers have also been enthusiastic in their praise of the school and its product. All police work is grounded in the belief that there is no substitute for experience. The cadets are not an officered class: when they graduate they become constables just like any recruit, and must pass the

same examinations for promotion. This does not minimise the fact that cadet training is the best possible preparation for a career in. the poli'ce. The boys are above average in intelligence and physique to start with and the training they receive means they are potential top-liners when they leave the school. In today’s world of sputniks and probes, a policeman is expected to be expert in a variety of subjects, and his training js specialised accordingly. Subjects such as current affairs, history, and English ensure a good general knowledge and police law and practice contain everything a constable needs to know. To be selected, cadets must have a pass in the police entry test—usually about 60 or 70 per cent of an intake of 80 have either School Certificate or University Entrance—so they hav& no trouble in handling these subjects, some of which are taken to stage two university level. This work is supplemented by spells of a week at police stations for on-the-job training.

Physical skills are also an important part of the cadets’ training, ju-jitsu, weapon training, organised games and drill helping to keep them physically alert. This healthy vigorous life is proving a great physique builder. A marked improvement is always shown in physical measurements and carriage.

Living away from home among boys of their own age helps the cadets develop self-reliance, self-discipline and character, all of which are essential for police work. As yet none has had difficulty in settling down. The section commander, an experienced sergeant and the commandant of the school, Superintendent E. J. G. Hotham, take a personal interest in each cadet.

“People are often diffident about approaching a policeman,” said Superintendent Hotham. “and one of our objects is to teach cadets to put people at ease through courtesy and friendliness.”

Like most young men of their age, the cadets have no difficulty in finding something to do in their leisure

time. AU the main sports are catered for. A team is always entered in the Wellington Rugby Union’s competition and there is a cricket team as well. In addition to the Trentham camp gymnasium there is a first-class rereation room equipped with a billiard and table tennis tables.

The strong spirit of fellowship that exists among the cadets is enriched by their many club and social activities, which include debating, photography, drama and woodwork. The cadets also help to run the school canteen and have completely furnished their own lounge (piano included) from their share of the profits, as well as outfitting all their sports teams. If the cadets get tired of their own company, dances can always be held, and sometimes concerts.

By the time a cadet has spent 19 months at the school he usually has a pretty good idea of whether he is suited to the work. It is significant, that of the cadets who graduated last August none has resigned so far. A talk to any police cadet soon reveals his ■sense of vocation an asset that seems certain to make itself felt in increased police efficiency and service in the years ahead. Salary Rates

Cadets Under 18 <.., ~$ll9O Under 19 ~., $1340 Under 20 .. $1530 Upon being sworn in as a constable $2620