In a nutshell:
- The govt has promised 600 extra Police. 300 for Auckland and 300 for the rest of NZ.
- Recruiting has ceased for anywhere but Auckland until at least mid 2010. Loyd, the Tga recruiting officer, has been seconded to other areas. It's the same situation throughout NZ. Hamilton has "shut up shop" too.
- Training wings are usually 80 strong and usually every two months or thereabouts. There have only been two wings of 40 odd each approved in 2009 since the Govt announcement, and they are for re-treads (returning officers) who are to be deployed in Auckland.
Waiting.
To Loyd's credit he has arranged a few get togethers for us. The latest one was two hours with the Tauranga Army Physical Training Officer. He goes by the name of "Macca" but we'll call him Satan.
Satan took us for a quick run "around the block" followed by an intense circuit program that involved muscles I never knew existed. I was on a high after the session ... until two days later when I could hardly walk.
A few weeks before that we had a Q & A session with two experienced Tga cops which was a great chance to learn some further aspects of the job.
I have been continuing my involvement with the Night Owls / Community Patrols and have tagged along with the Papamoa Police.
What else? Well, just before we were told not to hold our breath I let my boss know what I was up to. In hindsight it was not the best timing as he now expects me to leave any minute and it looks like I may have to work differently to gain what I should be entitled to whilst I retain my position, however I don't like being underhanded and are happier that it's out in the open.
I'll continue to wait. Continue to listen to the scanner and stay enthused. Continue to keep in touch with the guys and girls at the Tauranga and Papamoa stations. As Otis Redding says:
Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes
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