Masterton posting for new constable

NEW ON THE BEAT: Police graduate Richard Butler, who will be based at Masterton police station.

One of 77 new constables who have graduated from the Royal New Zealand Police College will be heading for Masterton for his first posting.

Constable Richard Butler was in the hospitality industry before training to be a police officer in Wellington.

"I come from the hospitality industry so my communication skills should be a help in dealing with and resolving issues."

Mr Butler aspires to be working with youth in Wairarapa.

"An area of policing I am keen to pursue in the future is working with young people, so Youth Aid Section might be something to aspire to."

"I am also interested in Search and Rescue, with the outdoor activities on offer in the Wairarapa, that could be an asset," Mr Butler said.

Mr Butler said he was happy to be stationed in Wairarapa and was looking forward to getting to know his colleagues and the community.

"I think I'm really lucky to be posted to Masterton. It will give me an opportunity to experience a full range of police duties and develop a broad skill-base. I'm sure it will be a matter of getting to know the community and learning from my colleagues."

Mr Butler starts in one week's time and will be working on the frontline section from Masterton police station.