The police officer
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a police officer’s first week in the job or if they’re a decorated captain. They step up at every situation they encounter, whether it’s supporting victims, managing traffic or taking bodies to the mortuary.
For Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen a horrific crash on SH1 near Taupo¯ on Tuesday was one such occasion.
A van and a people-mover had collided head-on. Four people had died, including a 5-year-old.
Police arriving on the scene must make quick decisions and juggle a number of priorities, Jeurissen says.
These can involve managing surviving family members, enabling paramedics to provide critical medical assistance or stopping traffic and handling bystanders.
‘‘Another aspect is the inquiry aspect; finding out exactly what occurred,’’ Jeurissen says.
‘‘Talking to witnesses, taking photographs – depending on what occurred, determining whether there will be charges laid.
‘‘There are plenty of competing interests, and you’re doing a lot of things to cover off the possible issues which could arise.’’
At Tuesday’s crash, Jeurissen oversaw the police’s presence.
‘‘The decision-making of police staff can be examined in a critical manner down the line. ‘‘It needs to be accurate.’’ Police officers remain involved long after the road cones leave the highway.
‘‘We are responsible for dealing with the victims, which can be the deceased. That involves taking them to the mortuary and treating them with dignity.
‘‘We need to confirm their identity, so we’re finding the next of kin and bringing them into making a declaration of who that person is.’’
Investigations require a great deal of coordination and the findings come under detailed scrutiny, possibly in court.
And police also support first responders, Jeurissen says. ‘‘They need to be offered psychological assistance if required. They are members of families themselves.’’