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Men make up around 80 per cent of the New Zealand police force and that includes fathers Mark Stallworthy and Brad Marshall, of the Warkworth Police Station. Both are passionate about their jobs for the variety and excitement they bring, but also for protecting the community they live in. Mahurangi Matters spoke with them about what each day might bring and why other men should consider joining the force.
While high speed chases and gun fights are more for the movies, Warkworth Police Sergeant Mark Stallworthy insists there is never a dull day on the job. He took up his role managing the Warkworth station earlier this year.
“My job involves a lot of administration, but the best part is getting out into the community and doing work on the road,” he says.
His day starts with checking intelligence in the morning and delegating officers to deal with assignments that have come in overnight.
“A big part of my job is analysing trends so I can put more resources towards the bigger issues,” he says.
His duties in the field involve attending group meetings, speaking about police work and managing cases.
“Jobs on the road could be checking on people on bail and responding to radio calls, but also looking out for anything that doesn’t seem right.
“For example, I recently saw a suspicious-looking parked car. I investigated and found drug users with weapons in the vehicle.”
Sgt Stallworthy says communication is the preferred option for dealing with tense situations, but all officers carry an array of tools to assist them.
“The radio we carry is our most commonly used piece of equipment. We keep people updated on our movements all the time and respond to other calls.”
The torch carried has a standard light, laser light and fluorescent light, so an officer can see finger prints and other forms of residue.
“Handcuffs are commonly used, but in 12 years of policing I’ve never used my baton and my pepper spray only a couple of times,” he says.
“We also carry a taser, which is a last resort. Most people will follow instructions, rather than be electrocuted.”
As a detective, Brad Marshall finds himself using a different set of tools. He joined the station in 2016.
“My typical day involves a lot of time in the office putting together search warrants and preparing Crown files for prosecution,” he says.
When a drug, serious assault or fraud case comes up, it is his job to get the answers.
“It’s often a very slow process. It can take a few hours just for a small job, as I have to inspect and catalogue all of the exhibits.”
His best case was on Operation Morning when a woman, who suffered a serious assault, was abandoned in the Dome Valley.
“We worked around the clock to solve that case, quickly identified all of the offenders and got a good result in court,” he says.
“Working with disturbing crimes like that is never something you get used to, but you get into a professional zone that allows you to work through it.”
For anyone interested in a career in the police force visit newcops.co.nz
