Rookie cop ready for the front line

Getting some life experience will better his service to the community, Ethan Parker says.

The new police constable, ranked second in his wing, will soon be amongst the ranks in south Auckland.

But before he began his training, the 23-year-old former Alfriston College student decided to work instead of signing up straight out of school.

‘‘As I got older I saw police as a career opportunity,’’ he says.

‘‘I had a bit of advice from other people to get a bit of life experience and to have a bit more age behind me before joining.’’

So, Parker took up a job at a local timber shop and got involved in taekwondo.

There he competed internationally and learned a number of skills and values including courtesy, perserverance and self-control.

Parker says those values are quite similar to police values.

It was a shaky start - literally - for Wing 303 at Police College. Their first night was when the Kaikoura Earthquake struck.

But the wing of 40 soon got down to work and bonded quite easily, he says.

Asked about his success, Parker was humble about the awards he was given.

‘‘I surprised myself a says.

He was ranked second, with his bit,’’ he final score including all his assessments, physical tests and general attitude.

But that wasn’t all. Parker was given a defensive tactics award for his approach to hand-to-hand combat, taser, firearms and driving.

As well as that, he picked up a response and prevention award. It recognised his decision making and problem solving abilities.

Parker, who will likely work in Manurewa or Papakura, is completing final training before heading out on the beat.

Helping the community is on his mind.

‘‘I’ve grown up in south Auckland all my life, I grew up in Manurewa and now live in Papakura,’’ he says.

‘‘I’ve gained a lot from the community from what they’ve given me through sport and education, it’s something I’d like to give back and help out where I can.’’

Wing 303 is made up of 31 men and 8 women.

‘‘I've grown up in South Auckland all my life ... I've gained a lot from the community from what they've given me through sport and education.’’