20 September 2013
A new news release is available for you to view on the
www.police.govt.nzwebsite:
"Police negotiator talks a young man down from a ledge"
NZ Police have unveiled a new street art installation, which rises up from
Central Auckland, recreating the extraordinary work story of an officer who
prevented a young man from acting out thoughts of suicide. The street art,
installed at 101 Hobson St, is part of a New Cops recruitment campaign to
attract young New Zealanders to a police career.
Sergeant Dee Teao used her skills as a youth aid officer and police
negotiator to talk a young man down safely from the dizzying heights of an
over bridge.
On the night the incident occurred a troubled young man was on a bridge in
danger of jumping or falling off. Dee assessed her options and called up to
him. She spoke with him about his whänau, his tamariki and what was
troubling him. She appealed to him to not cut off his whakapapa. "What
would your whanau do without you?" she asked.
Gradually she built up enough rapport to climb up to the man. At the top Dee
changed tack and admitted she too was scared of heights. Admitting her
vulnerability caused the young man to stop thinking about himself and become
concerned for her safety. Eventually they both climbed down together and he
said "You're a cool cop miss."
Acting Commissioner Viv Rickard says "Policing is renowned for better work
stories. This extraordinary true story shows the heart, and the mana, that
our staff have and that we want we want to find in all new recruits. By
installing this street art we want to challenge young people's perceptions -
that when you become cop you don't lose who you are, you use who you are to
help people."
Dee says, "By doing this campaign I hope to show young Maori that the blue
uniform is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of rangatahi. I'm
proof that when you become a cop you don't leave your heritage behind, but
bring it with you to the job."
"I balance my time as a mother of two and still have strong links to Nga
Puhi, Tainui and Ngati Ranginui. I balance those commitments with my job as a
Youth Aid officer and police negotiator in Counties Manukau and I love it."
The young man was referred to mental health services and is now enjoying a
new positive outlook on life.
Police are looking to recruit at least 400 people between July 2013 and June
2014.
With New Zealand's population becoming increasingly diverse, police are keen
to hear from a broad base of young people from various ethnicities such as
Maori, Pasifika, African, Asian and Indian and also want to encourage more
women to see police as a career option.
The campaign is supported by the Mental Health Foundation. The Director of
Development & Policy, Hugh Norriss says: “We acknowledge the work of the
police in recruiting from a diverse range of cultures, with values such as
compassion and empathy, which are necessary in working with people in mental
distress. Mental health problems are an ordinary part of the human condition.
One in five people in any given year and almost half of all New Zealanders
will experience some kind of mental distress in their lifetime.”
Addressing suicide is everyone’s responsibility. Some of the most effective
protective factors are strong friendships, healthy, supportive family
relationships, and an individual’s belief in a positive future.
Acting Commissioner Viv Rickard adds "Every day NZ Police are called to
situations where people are affected by mental distress. This extraordinary
work story is testament to how vital it is to empathise with victims and
potential victims. We need to recruit officers who can respond to this and
other situations in an empathetic and effective way."
If you have communication skills, problem solving abilities and empathy and
are looking to do something extraordinary to help your community, take the
first step to becoming a cop, by going to newcops.co.nz
Download high resolution images of Sgt Dee Teao and the artwork at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94938706@N08/9827763264/in/photostream/ [1]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94938706@N08/9827959626/in/photostream/ [2]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94938706@N08/9827905653/in/photostream/ [3]
ENDS
Media enquiries, please phone: Campbell Moore on 027 275 2612
You can view full details online at:
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-negotiator-talks-young-man-down-ledgeThanks,
New Zealand Police
