Fit for law enforcement

shooter have in common? All three are part of the current intake of students in Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Preparation for Law Enforcement programme.

The athletic trio were complete strangers until their drive to enter law enforcement led them to the Polytechnic. Passionate about sports, all three were hooked by the programmes fitness aspect which runs alongside other key learning components.

Former Waikato Piston’s development basketball player Alex Schipper hopes to combine his basketball career with a career in the New Zealand Police. After a hit-and-run accident almost cost him his basketball dreams, the 19 year old can’t wait to get started with the Police.

“After gaining some street experience I hope to go into search and rescue or the armed offenders,” says Alex. “Another pull for me is that the NZ Police have got really great sports teams which compete internationally so that also appeals.”

It’s army all the way for sprinter (currently fifth in NZ 400m) Jayden Boylan. He’d hoped to join the Royal Marines but after the Brits stopped accepting Commonwealth applicants he has his sights firmly set on the NZ Army.

“Ever since I was a kid the military was the only place I wanted to work,” says Jayden. “I wasn’t particularly academic at school and the Prep for Law course is giving me the skills I need to give me that extra edge to go into the army as an officer.”

It’s no surprise though that clay-shooter Cory Baldock is going all out to secure his place in the NZ Police Armed Offenders Squad.

“I’m currently sixth in the world for my age division,” says Cory. “I’m not sure which came first – my goal to be a policeman or be one of the best clay shooters in the world!”

As well as being put through their fitness paces, the trio are learning communication  and assertiveness skills, cultural awareness, defensive driving, numeracy and literacy, first aid, computing and of course law.

The next generation of law enforcers are just around the corner – and they’re breaking records along the way.

The next intake of the Certificate in Preparation for Law Enforcement is available in Hamilton and Tauranga and starts 26 May 2014.