Last week's speaker
Rick Bourne came along last week to give an exciting talk on his 30+ years as a policeman, both in England and recently here in New Zealand.
Rick is a humble and honest cop who attributes all success to the combined team efforts of colleagues over the years.
Rick has seen his fair share of action on the front line as a policeman including drug busts and murders. He was a high speed chase driver in the UK and he told us some great stories including one time where he crashed a brand new patrol car on the way to a fire! Rick had to face up to the "Screaming Skull" his bald super at the time. To say the least, It did not go well and he was suspended from driving.
There was another fun story about Rick going to find a quiet spot for a kip during a long investigation and finding another patrol car there with two officers already asleep! He did not let on how he found them!
Rick emigrated to New Zealand eight years ago and was lured back to the force over dinner with a friend. He was asked the question 'Do you miss it?' Now he works in complaints in the southern district. Rick is well suited to this role as he is upfront, honest and has a forgiving nature. We all make mistakes, it's how they are dealt with that matters. Rick is determined to change the culture within police so that they are more open and honest with each other and know that officers in complaints can be sympathetic.
It was a fantastic talk, especially considering he was called on at the last minute as the scheduled speakers had something more important on.
