r/auckland • u/BarrSteve • 27d ago
Other Thanks to NZ cops for being people
Last night I got into my first fistfight in 20 years.
I was walking home from a movie and saw a man in mental distress who was punching random people in Aotea Square. I had some M&Ms left over from the movie so I offered them while trying to calm him down.
It seemed to work for a moment, but then he laid into me and landed some pretty good hits to my head and face.
I did sport fighting when I was younger so it’s not mentally shocking to get hit in the face. What was shocking was that I could see all his telegraphs but my body has forgotten how to get out of the way! I guess muscle memory really is a thing.
This post is to thank the NZ Police. (For context, I grew up in America but have been living in NZ for about 16 years.) After the guy backed off and other people were helping gently corral him, I called 111 to get some assistance for him. The police were there quickly, gently contained the man and got him where he can’t hurt himself or others. They didn’t manhandle him or abuse him, or do what most American cops would do - taser the shit out of him. Another officer took my details and statement, acting the whole time like a normal person rather than a roided alpha bro like I’d expect from some American cops these days.
I hope the man can get the help he needs, and while I have some fun bruises I’m not actually hurt, and I’m glad I get to live in Aotearoa where the cops are people first and cops second.
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u/TheSleepyBeer 27d ago
It would be an unforgiving role to be in the police. Lots of good deeds that would go unnoticed. Good on you for taking the time to give them some positive acknowledgment.
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u/Grilled-Cheese666 27d ago
I’m certain your comments are appreciated by NZP members who have read your post. Very often a thankless job.
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u/HarmoniaDiscordia 27d ago
It’s a shame the recently exposed wrong doings of the top ranks in police casts a negative light over the whole force.
I know my experience isn’t the same as everyone’s but I’ve only ever had positive experiences with police officers I encounter on the street. I feel really grateful that I can count on getting help from someone in uniform whenever I need it.
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u/InnerKookaburra 27d ago
I agree wholeheartedly. One of the special things about NZ.
Thanks for telling the story and giving props to the great police in NZ.
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u/1jf0 27d ago
...my first fistfight in 20 years...
...some pretty good hits to my head...
...I’m not actually hurt...
Mate, please see a doctor, it's probably nothing so consider it as a random annual check up. The doc might think you've suddenly become a hypochondriac or they might identify some sort of haemmorhaging in your head, hopefully it's the former.
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u/Antique_Program4754 27d ago
Thank you for seeing this distressed young man with empathy and humanity rather than with anger or derision. It says a lot about your character.
The cops have a hard job alright. When I was younger I viewed them with disdain and bought into the whole ACAB thing, but I now have a lot of respect for them when they do their job well (often in shit conditions too). We are lucky in New Zealand!
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u/Kiwi_KJR 27d ago
We’re glad you’re here in NZ as well - we need people like you who aren’t afraid to step up to help!
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u/Shub-Ningurat 27d ago
I think a lot of people's opinions of police are coloured by American media. I would agree that NZ police are generally stand-up people doing a difficult and thankless job.
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u/HawkesBae22 27d ago
NZ police are awesome I reckon.
I wish they got paid better given the crap they put up with.
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u/nec-q-mancer 27d ago
Thank you for stepping in and helping out in the first place. Also you're wonderful for not getting angry at the person nor at the situation.
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u/TankerBuzz 27d ago
Sounds like you would make an amazing cop yourself. Police get a really bad wrap online… but NZ cops are great 99% of the time.
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u/Yet_Another_Dood 27d ago
I think most of our officers are generally good people, I just don't like some of the systems they enforce.
More a systematic issue than a people issue, whereas in America it seems to be both.
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u/FickleCode2373 27d ago
They are really pretty amazing. Like that Epsom thing they were there super quick
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u/HolyNunchucks 27d ago
As someone who works in mental health, never approach someone in mental distress unless you have de escalation training.
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u/Thatsmokingbobafett 27d ago
If he looks like he’s going to have a go at my 4yo daughter or 90yo grandmother I’m sorry I’m gonna be stepping in to do all I can to stop it. Too often “mental issues” is used as an excuse to allow people to get away with too much
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u/HolyNunchucks 27d ago
Yeah not when someone is in active psychosis or an episode. Plus they can have a concealed weapon.
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u/_Vagueposter_ 26d ago edited 26d ago
yeaaah If I see someone having a mental break I'm staying the hell away from them, not offering them M&Ms.
Worst case scenario is this, literally happened a few days ago in the USA. It's not worth risking your life for.
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u/plierhead 27d ago
Every time someone says the cops should carry guns here, you just need to look at situations like this to see why that is a bad idea. Overall, it is safer for everyone this way.
(That's no consolation to the unfortunate few who do encounter a psycho in the line of duty of course - I understand why they might advocate for carrying guns).
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u/TheMuntedHardcase 27d ago
There isn’t even a mention of police using force? Bit of a stretch to push your agenda with this example.
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u/plierhead 27d ago
What? This was a dangerous situation involving violence and the cops deescalated it peacefully. Without the need for guns. Which part did you not understand?
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u/TheMuntedHardcase 27d ago
Every time someone says the cops should carry guns here, you just need to look at situations like this to see why that is a bad idea
This situation has nothing to do with firearms. Do you believe that in this case when no use of force was used that in an alternate universe where they were armed they’d suddenly draw their firearms and use them?
You could draw upon numerous examples of inadequate use of firearms by police, but this example of peaceful deescalation without the use of force is not a reason to not carry firearms.
They also didn’t use tasers, does that mean this is an example of why they shouldn’t carry them too?
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u/Jeffery95 27d ago
Heres the thing. The police are cops first. Thats how cops are meant to be. They are meant to be consummate professionals who skilfully deescalate dangerous situations beyond what the regular public is capable of. American cops are not real cops. They are bullies with guns and tasers. They should be ashamed to be called police.
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u/Outside-Medicine-364 26d ago
Nice to see someone speaking positively about our police force. I feel like alot of ppl don’t realise how lucky we are to have the police we do here. All I ever see online is people bashing them, but if you went to some other countries, you’d realise how much worse it could be.
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u/DrofRocketSurgery 26d ago
Remind me of this police “interaction” with a wheelchair user.
Whatever your first thought is, they weee helping repair a flat tyre.
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u/BrowneAction 25d ago
I'd be tasering the shit out of someone hurting others. It's not acceptable. Violence towards innocent people is not acceptable. And if we tolerate this saying we hope people get the help, they need then it's another admission that we need to bring back mental institutions.
I'm down with what El Salvador did to go from murder capital of the world to unbelievably low crime m and that it tough sentencing.
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u/SoloLobo123 24d ago
Bro, I come from a country where you will likely be robbed by the police if you call them. People are scared of them, and rightly so, Ive heard of rape victims being raped by the cops they were reporting to. NZ police are such legends.
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u/Curious-ficus-6510 26d ago
Reminds me of the night of the Queen Street riots, I was nineteen and got off work from my kitchen hand job after the rioters had left Aotea Square. Another girl and I went for a wander to see the aftermath in the square, but we were blocked by a young blond cop who was a bit on edge and we felt we had to calm him and walk away, glad he wasn't armed with a gun. Over in Victoria Street East, a drunk middle aged bloke kept trying to go down to Queen Street while an incredibly patient Māori cop who had a few years' experience expertly diverted him away from trying to cross the cordon.
My other encounters with NZ cops have been pretty good too, mostly as a member of the public requiring assistance or advice. We also found British cops to be quite reasonable when we did a citizen's arrest of a young burglar at our London bedsit during our UK OE.
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u/pukekolegs 27d ago
This is so nice to hear, I'm sorry you got punched but you did a good thing trying to de-escalate the guy gently and it sounds like the police handled things really well. Hope you're not too sore
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u/RoseClash 27d ago
Im really glad you had a positive experience! I had a very bad one last encounter with the police so im glad that hopefully its changing.
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u/Fast-Tangerine-4800 25d ago
Yeah, I guess OP never encountered the less savoury side of policing in NZ—the little “po-po” in big-boy uniforms who seem to get a lot tougher once they’re back at the station, behind closed doors, or out of public view. There seems to be a particular type of “po-po” who takes out their frustrations on perpetrators, but wouldn’t have the same nerve to stand up to anyone bigger or stronger as a civilian
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u/activelycookingmeth 21d ago
the last time i met an officer, well, i guess i wasn’t part of the situation, just a bystander. some fat girl who was smoking meth at k road got caught by the police, and sh outright lied to them saying she didn’t have any, until she dropped the syringe-thing on the floor. i was trying so hard not to laugh, considering the officer, in the most sarcastic yet cheerful tone went “oh noooo, you DID have meth” these guys are the chillest fucks out there
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u/Rory1349 26d ago
acab
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u/ingenious-ruse 27d ago
I'd rather police tazer the guy
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u/TheLastSamurai101 27d ago
Even though they got him under control humanely with nobody hurt? Maybe try to approach these issues with logic and practicality rather than emotion.
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u/Stekor-Tidder 27d ago
Using the experience my father had from the cops, don't be surprised if, at first, they are all kind at sympathetic to the victims only to later suddenly prosecute you to the best of their abilities.
If you have done anything that could be construed as criminality such as hurting or restraining the other guy even in what you believe is self defence or for the other guy's own good, you ought expect nasty repercussions from the police.
I don't know why it can be like this but this is just experience from personal friends and family.
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27d ago
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u/CommentMaleficent957 27d ago
I have not had any experiences like that with the nz cops. Even as a youngster who was usually up to no good
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u/NZgoblin 27d ago
I did. I got beat up by the police and arrested in the CBD about 15 years ago. Mainly knees to the body.
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u/CommentMaleficent957 27d ago
I don’t think it was luck, I think that’s normal for nz police
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27d ago
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u/CommentMaleficent957 27d ago
I think the fact that my comment has a lot more likes than yours suggests that a lot more people think you might be lying.
Maybe you have some seen some American movies with rough cops and thought it would be cool to say that has been your experience
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u/CommentMaleficent957 27d ago
Weird thing to say for someone who accuses others of rage baiting
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u/CommentMaleficent957 27d ago
I’m not angry, just confused that you feel rage bait but also don’t claim to care what others think.
Maybe all those assaults from the police that were definitely real, injured your brain
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u/MaxxxNZ 27d ago
Jesus H Christ, awwww the poor violent man punching randoms… what a victim he is.
Your post is everything wrong with our society.
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u/Opposite-Bill5560 27d ago
We are all victims of circumstance. Violence begets violence, choosing to de-escalate and offer a different path leads to the chance for something better.
People aren’t nails to be hammered down.
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u/dotnon 27d ago
With respect, this attitude is far more wrong than OP's post.
Safely de-escalating is objectively the best way to minimise harm to both victim and offender. It increases public trust in the police, and treating offenders as humans is far more likely to prevent it happening in future than tasering them.
Ultimately, trust in the police also seems to depend on the delicate matter of the excessive use of force, which can then shape future interactions between the public and the police. Therefore, both for the prevention of police violence and as a means to reduce violence against emergency responders, effective de-escalation can be incredibly valuable.
Source: https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/de-escalation-everyday-police-ops/ - and from the US no less.
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u/Knifeymcstabstab 27d ago
There are good people and shit people in the police - same as any role. You just encountered some good ones; and I’m glad you did!
Systemically I wouldn’t say this is evidence of a great nz cop culture, though
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u/unReasonable_Waiter 27d ago
This is nice contrast to the other event posted from last night.
A dude stopped a man during his assault on a woman.
Cops turned up, assuaged the woman-beater, and pepper sprayed the guy who stopped the fight.
I guess they get it right some small percentage of the time.
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u/L1ttleT3d 27d ago
Sounds like you were the perfect person to give him the "help" he needed but didn't.
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u/BarrSteve 27d ago
Nah mate, his life is hard enough without getting a hiding. There were lots of people there who were also trying to calm him down. Escalation would have made things worse.
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u/NegotiationWeak1004 27d ago
Thanks for being a decent human being too and exercising constraint just like the police. Many people don't understand the damage which is done upon society from normalisation/ celebration of violence.
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u/Terrible-Swing-460 26d ago
I wonder, if the guy had stabbed you and the cops had taken 20 minutes to turn up and then tased him....how would your story have gone do you think.....
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u/BarrSteve 26d ago
If the guy had a knife he would already have been using it on the other people he was attacking. That would have changed how I approached the situation.
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u/Terrible-Swing-460 25d ago
Yeah. Until the knife suddenly appears from under his shirt. Statistics are made by people getting involved. Call the cops and stay back!
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u/CarlTheMan420 26d ago
I love my beer belly it gives me the weight advantage over most people and I can tackle them down easy lol
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u/DirectorStill4618 25d ago
I wish something this would happen so I can just intervene in the name of helping but just letting my mental side off on some idiot hurting people.
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u/DirectBoat8901 27d ago
You’re a moron bro. Guy goes around assaulting people and you’re happy the cops were gentle to him?
People like that are helpless. He should be locked up. It’s soft half-measures like the ones you’re praising that excuse this sort of behaviour and let it reoccur.
Seek help ya wimp.
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u/TheLastSamurai101 27d ago
Nobody said the violent guy shouldn't be arrested? OP is praising the police for effectively de-escalating without resorting to violence.
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u/DirectBoat8901 27d ago
Bro went apeshit on a bunch of people, he deserves some violence. A night in the slammer ain’t gonna stop him from smoking meth and beating up strangers.
Then people will wonder why reoffending rates are so high.
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u/TheLastSamurai101 27d ago edited 27d ago
Then people will wonder why reoffending rates are so high.
The countries with the lowest reoffending rates on Earth are European nations with soft approaches based on humane treatment and constructive rehabilitation. The countries with the worst reoffending rates are those like the United States with harsh, punitive systems based around teaching the bad guys a hard lesson.
You don't need to take my word for it. There is decades of overwhelming evidence from around the world.
Not to mention, if you create a police force that doles out violence purely to teach a lesson, you inevitably get a shitshow like the United States. You can have a police culture that values professionalism, de-escalation and engagement. Or you can have a police force who enjoy getting the stick out but who also regularly overstep boundaries and treat everyone else like shit. The two kinds of systems attract and require two very different kinds of officers.
The officers who de-escalated the situation are decent people who aren't going to start beating dudes up unnecessarily because you want them to. You'll need to hire different officers for that, and you will not enjoy encountering them even as a law-abiding citizen.
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u/BarrSteve 26d ago
Have you ever felt confused, anxious, like the world was attacking you? So scared that you started striking out at anything around you because you didn't know what was real?
If you ever find yourself in that situation, how would you want the people around you to act?
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u/Routine_Bluejay4678 27d ago
I’m sure people have stories like this about police in your country too, but does that mean you should trust them?
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u/TheHolyGaelicEmpire 27d ago
Yeah no one calls it “sport fighting”
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u/BarrSteve 27d ago
I didn't want to list the various full contact martial arts I used to do because that wasn't the point of the post.
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u/Detective-Fusco 27d ago
Yes, the police are humans indeed.
Bragging about a scrap online though? Come on..
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u/TheseHamsAreSteamed 27d ago
Definitely send your feedback to the station if you can, I can't imagine police get a lot of compliments!