| New Zealand Police | |
|---|---|
 | |
| New Zealand Police | |
| Aliases: | New Zealand Police Force Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa |
| Continuity: | Real world |
| Type: | Police department |
| Status: | Active |
| Allies: | Wellington Police District Wellington Paranormal Unit |
| Enemies: | Criminals; Demons; Ghosts; Plant monsters; Slime monsters; Vampires; Zombies |
The New Zealand Police is the national police service and principal law enforcement agency of New Zealand, responsible for preventing crime, enhancing public safety, bringing offenders to justice, and maintaining public order. With over 15,000 personnel, it is the largest law enforcement agency in New Zealand and, with few exceptions, has primary jurisdiction over the majority of New Zealand criminal law. The New Zealand Police also has responsibility for traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement as well as other key responsibilities including protection of dignitaries, firearms licensing, and matters of national security.
Policing in New Zealand was introduced in 1840, modelled on similar constabularies that existed in Britain at that time. The constabulary was initially part police and part militia. By the end of the 19th century policing by consent was the goal. The New Zealand Police has generally enjoyed a reputation for mild policing, but there have been cases when the use of force was criticized, such as during the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States.
While the New Zealand Police is a government department with a minister responsible for it, the commissioner and sworn members swear allegiance directly to the sovereign and, by convention, have constabulary independence from the government of the day.
Overview[]
Notes & Trivia[]
- The Māori name for the New Zealand Police is Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa.