Helping in community key part of officer's work

Nikki Campbell (R) says every day as a police officer is different. Photo / Supplied

Nikki Campbell lives and breathes her job as a police officer in South Auckland.

Since graduating in June 2010, the 19-year-old probationary officer has been patrolling the streets of Papakura with the neighbourhood watch team.

"It's something I've wanted to do since I was a primary student," she says. "I just wanted to help the community where I live."

Campbell says a big part of her job is crime prevention - talking to families at risk and being seen in the community.

"I like the fact that every day is different," she says. "It's a fantastic career option. There's loads of different avenues that you can go down." As well as mental sharpness, officers have to remain physically fit, she says.

"You always have to be switched on. You never know what challenges the day will throw up."

Campbell had to be able to do 20 press-ups and run 2.4km to graduate, and has kept up her fitness since then.

She made lifelong friends during her 19 weeks of intensive training at the Police College in Porirua, she says. "We are always having so much fun at work and that filters through to outside of work time as well."