This column is written by a frontline police member. It does not represent the views or policies of the Police Association.

We often speak of the police family and the collegiality and support we draw from it. In my role as Police Association president, I have developed a much better appreciation of what it means to be part of that family in New Zealand and why it is important to be connected to police associations globally.

The tiny Central Districts town of Marton is a long way from the rest of the world, but, thanks to the efforts of one police officer, international bonds are being forged from there through the shared experiences of emergency responders.

Police Remembrance Day, September 29, falls on a Sunday this year. An official ceremony will be held at the Police College in Porirua on Friday, September 27, and the day will also be marked at other locations around the country.

Ten questions with our new Southern field officer Debbie Ericsson who began work last month.

Provincial New Zealand is the poor cousin when it comes to resources to fight organised crime and drug addiction. Two of those towns, just 100 kilometres apart, show what a difference targeted police operations can make. Ellen Brook reports.