Police profile picture a tribute to fallen officer

NZ Police have changed their social media profile pictures to a black square with a blue stripe, in a symbolic tribute to the officer shot and killed in Massey yesterday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that one of our colleagues injured in the incident in Massey today has died,” NZ Police posted on Facebook.

“This is devastating news and absolutely the worst thing for us to deal with.”

Across social media platforms, the different divisions of police paid tribute to their colleague, with the symbol of the blue stripe across a black square.

The officer died after he and his colleague were shot during a routine traffic stop in West Auckland.

In the Facebook post, NZ Police added there was nothing to indicate that “the job was going to be anything out of the ordinary”.

“This incident points to the real

ABCAUCKLAND risks our officers face on the streets, doing their jobs, every day.

“Staff safety and welfare are our absolute priority and our whole organisation is in a state of shock after these horrific events.”

Police Minister Stuart Nash said the officer who died was a man who “dedicated his career to keeping us safe”.

“Over 10,000 men and woman have lost a valued colleague,” he said. “What an absolute tragedy. What can you say.”

Nash said he has spoken to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to ensure that he and his senior commanders have all the resources they need to respond.

“The officers’ families and colleagues also need all the support they can get. This will take a toll on them in the days and weeks ahead.

“I want to thank those who were first on the scene to help and acknowledge the health professionals who

CYesterday 3.30pm

BThis incident points to the real risks our officers face on the streets, doing their jobs, every day. Police Facebook post

worked to treat the officers.”

The family of the slain officer had been informed of his death and were “devastated”, Coster said last night.

The injured officer was in a serious but stable condition in hospital, as was a member of the public who was run over in the incident.

Coster said a firearm had been recovered. “We are following strong lines of inquiry and our priority is to hold any offenders to account.”

Police Association president Chris Cahill said he would be travelling to Auckland to support his colleagues.

He said he wants to convey a message to the officers’ families that police will support them through such an incredibly difficult time.

Now was not the appropriate time to have the debate about the routine arming of officers, he said.

Coster has issued a general arming order, which means all police in the Auckland district will be armed with firearms.