In a rapid follow-up to Commissioner Andy Coster’s pledge to our members that he wants more value placed on the work of frontline staff, a specialist training course has been launched at the Police College.

Wristbands with a heartfelt message embossed on them have raised more than $20,000 for the family of slain police officer Constable Matthew Hunt and for his injured colleague.

This time last year we had absolutely no inkling what was in store for us as we looked forward to a summer break and a brand new year. The rest, as they say, is history, although globally the Covid-19 pandemic still seems some distance from being so consigned.

Investment specialist Joe Bishop took over the reins of the Police Credit Union just as the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown started.

In 2016, former police officer Bruce Howat moved to Rotorua with his wife to set up a not-for-profit organisation to help Māori youth into apprenticeships. He was on track to be making a difference in the lives of others when his past “tsunamied” back into his life in the form of untreated PTSI (post-traumatic stress injury).

This column is written by a frontline police member. It does not represent the views or policies of the Police Association.