Women police officers join Tokoroa beat
Tokoroa Police Station has welcomed three more women officers to the ranks including one for whom it is a return home.
With a nationwide drive for more women to join the police force it was only a matter of time before the results were seen in the South Waikato.
In the last month Tokoroa Police Station has welcomed three new female officers and has boosted police numbers in the South Waikato.
Officer Katharine Lemmè was raised in Tokoroa and knew she wanted to return after her recent graduation from police college.
“I grew up here and I like this community. I want to help make it a safe place.”
After five years in Hamilton, followed by a six month stint in Otara, Officer Lania Day has come to Tokoroa where she can be close to family and get to know the people in the community better.
Day said she loves being in Tokoroa and believes female officers bring something from their male counterparts.
“I think we give a calmer influence in dealing with different situations, and some people prefer to talk with female officers,” she said.
Sheryl Fitzgerald is the most experienced of the three with over six years on the force and is happy to be promoting female officers.
“It gives us a chance to be positive role models for girls and show them that this is not just a man’s job.”
Senior Sergeant Graeme Hill is happy to welcome the women to the team and believes there are many benefits to getting more female officers in Tokoroa.
“It’s enhancing our policing capability as we previously didn’t have as many female on staff,” he said. “It’s a real benefit.”
