Making crooks think twice
Inseparable twins make leap together to become crime fighters in blue
They were born together, went to school together, worked the same jobs together, live together and now they have joined Rotorua police together.
Twins Bronwyn Allen and Kylie Cardon are new constables at Rotorua police and both are delighted with their new careers.
The 36-year-olds, descended from Tu¯ hourangi and Nga¯ti Pikiao, have spent almost the past two decades working in hospitality and event styling.
Although not identical twins, their similarities are already causing confusion for some police staff — making it a good thing they will not be on the same section (a police policy for family members).
Allen said they are naturally worried about each other — a comment quickly followed by both saying at the same time “we have got each other’s backs”.
Born and bred in Rotorua, the twins went to Sunset Primary, Westbrook School, Sunset Intermediate and Rotorua Girls’ High School before working at the Novotel Rotorua.
After five and a half years, Allen left to work for Event Impressions, a Rotorua-based event styling and
decor company. Cardon followed her sister and ran the Auckland office for a period.
The twins spent nearly 14 years with the company, travelling the country helping to style and theme events.
When Event Impressions was named Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards Supreme Winner last year, the twins were credited in the owners’ acceptance speech as playing a big part in helping grow the business.
A flatmate joining police piqued their interest in the career, so they signed up to Te Wa¯nanga o Aotearoa’s 36-week introductory course which prepped them for New Zealand Police College.
Cardon started her four months training in March last year and Allen went in August — making it the longest period they had been apart.
Cardon said she found it very hard being without her sister and husband — even though he works in Australia.
“You are in this big massive bubble of full-on training and it puts you in situations you’re not comfortable with. For the first two to three weeks I didn’t think I’d make it but everyone feels the same way being away from family and support systems.”
Cardon is now on a frontline section and Allen is with the Traffic Alcohol Group, which operates drinkdriving checkpoints.
Allen said being a bit older and having people skills had already helped them both.
“We know how to talk to people and that goes a long way in the police,” Allen said.
Cardon said being a Ma¯ori woman was also comforting for some victims.
Having the ability to work different roles in future appealed to them, with sudden deaths and coronial inquiries appealing to Allen and forensics appealing to Cardon.
Rotorua police area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi described them as being “outstanding people” and he hoped they had long careers in the New Zealand Police.
“They will be gold because they care about people.”