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{{tooshort}}
{{Infobox Television
{{Infobox Law enforcement agency
| show_name = EastEnders
| agencyname = New Zealand Police
| image = [[Image:EEnewtitles.JPG|250px]]
| nativenamer = Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa ([[Māori language|Māori]])
| caption = An image from the current opening title sequence of ''EastEnders'' (introduced on [[5 September]] [[1999]]).<ref>"[http://www.greenwich-guide.org.uk/september.htm September]", ''Greenwich Guide''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-26]]</ref>
| patch =
| genre = [[Soap opera]]
| patchcaption =
| creator = [[Julia Smith]]<br />[[Tony Holland]]
| logo = New Zealand Police logo.svg
| starring = [[List of characters from EastEnders|Present cast]]
| badge =
| theme_music_composer = [[Simon May]]<br />Leslie Osborne
| badgecaption =
| opentheme = [[EastEnders theme tune|''EastEnders'' theme tune]]
| motto = ''Safer Communities Together''
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| formedyear = 1842
| language = [[English language|English]]
| preceding1 = 1842 - 1886 known as the New Zealand Armed Constabulary or Armed Constabulary Force
| num_episodes = 3651<!--when updating the episode count, please make sure to update the date of the last episode as well--> (as of [[September 16]] [[2008]])<ref>"[http://open.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/search/eastenders BBC programme guide]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2007-06-12]].</ref>
| preceding2 = 1886 - 1958 known as the New Zealand Police Force
| executive_producer = [[Diederick Santer]]
| employees = 10,884 (30 June 2007)
| location = [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]]
| budget =
| camera = [[Multiple-camera setup]]
| country = New Zealand
| runtime = 27-29 <small>[[Minute|mins.]]</small>
| national = Yes
| network = [[BBC One]]
| governingbody = New Zealand Government
| picture_format = [[576i]]</br>[[4:3]] (1985-1999)</br>[[16:9]] (1999-present)
| constitution1 = Police Act 1886
| first_aired = [[19 February]] [[1985]]
| constitution2 = Police Act 1958
| last_aired = present
| police = Yes
| website = http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/
| local = Yes
| imdb_id = 0088512
| headquarters = [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]]
| tv_com_id = 1505
| sworn = 8,113 (30 June 2007)
| unsworn = 2,771 (30 June 2007)
| electeetype = Minister
| minister1name = [[Annette King]]
| minister1pfo = Minister of Police
| chief1name = Howard Broad
| chief1position = Commissioner of Police
| unittype = Service
| unitname = {{collapsible list |title=31 |111 Emergency |Armed offenders |Beat and patrol |Counter Terror |Criminal investigation |Diplomatic |Dive |Diversion |Dogs |Drugs |E-Crime |EM-Bail |Ethnic |Evaluation |Financial |Fingerprint |Firearms |Forensics |Info4traders |Interpol |Licensing |Maritime |Missing persons |Museum |International |Road Policing |Search & rescue |Statistics |Tenders |Vetting |Youth education }}
| officetype = District
| officename = {{collapsible list |title=12 |Northland |Waitematā |Auckland City |Counties Manukau |Waikato |Bay of Plenty |Eastern |Central |Wellington |Tasman |Canterbury |Southern }}
| stations = 400+
| website = http://www.police.govt.nz/
| footnotes =
| reference =
}}
}}
{{portalpar|EastEnders}}
[[Image:Albertsq.jpg|thumb|200px|Albert Square in the 1980s.]]
'''''EastEnders''''' is a popular and award-winning [[television]] [[soap opera]], first broadcast in the United Kingdom on [[BBC One|BBC1]] on [[19 February]] [[1985]]. It currently ranks within the top of the most watched shows in the United Kingdom.
''EastEnders'' storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in [[Albert Square]], a Victorian square of terraced houses, a pub, a street market and various small businesses in the [[East End of London]], [[United Kingdom]].


The '''New Zealand Police''' ({{lang-mi|'''''Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa'''''}}) is the national [[police]] force of [[New Zealand]], responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand.
The series was originally screened as two half-hour episodes per week. Today four episodes are broadcast each week on [[BBC One]] (each episode is repeated on [[BBC Three]] at 10pm) and an [[omnibus (broadcast)|omnibus]] edition screens on Sunday afternoons. It is one of the [[United Kingdom|UK]]'s highest-rated programmes, often appearing near or at the top of the week's [[Broadcaster's Audience Research Board|BARB]] ratings. Within eight months of its launch, it reached the number one spot in the ratings, and has almost consistently remained among the top-rated programmes in Britain ever since. The average audience share for an episode is currently between 35 and 45%. Created by producer [[Julia Smith]] and script editor [[Tony Holland]], ''EastEnders'' has remained significant in terms of the BBC's success and audience share, and also the history of British television drama, tackling many controversial and taboo issues previously unseen on mainstream television in the UK.


The current [[Minister of Police (New Zealand)|Minister of Police]] is the Hon. [[Annette King]].
''EastEnders'' has won five [[British Academy Television Awards|BAFTA Awards]],<ref name="BAFTA">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/339724.stm Full list of Bafta TV award winners]" ''BBC'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> and has won the ''[[Inside Soap]]'' Award for 'Best Soap' for ten years running,<ref name="insidesoap">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5380486.stm Rival soaps tie on awards night]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> as well as ten [[National Television Awards]] for '[[Results of The National Television Awards|Most Popular Serial Drama]]'<ref name="scoops">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20061101.shtml EastEnders Scoops Gongs]"{{dead link|date=February 2008}}, ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> and six awards for 'Best Soap' at the [[British Soap Awards]]. It has also been inducted into the [[Rose d'Or]] Hall of Fame.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4951052.stm Rose d'Or honour for ''EastEnders'']", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> It's also won six TV Quick/TV Choice Awards for 'Best Soap', three [[TRIC Awards]] for 'Soap of The Year' and two [[Royal Television Society]] Awards for 'Best Continuing Drama'.


== Origins and history ==
==Setting==
Policing in New Zealand started in 1840 with the arrival of six constables accompanying Lt. Governor [[William Hobson|Hobson]]'s official landing party to form the colony of New Zealand. Early policing arrangements were along similar lines to other British colonial police forces, in particular the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]] and the [[New South Wales Police Force]]. Many of its first officers had seen prior service in either [[Ireland]] or [[Australia]]. The early Force was initially part police and part [[militia]].
''EastEnders'' is set in the [[fictional]] [[Walford|London Borough of Walford]]. However, the central focus of the show is that of the equally fictional [[Victorian era|Victorian]] square named [[Albert Square]]. The fictional Albert Square was built around the early 20th century, named after [[Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha|Prince Albert]] (1819–1861), the husband of [[Victoria of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]] (1819–1901, reigned 1837–1901). Thus, central to Albert Square is [[The Queen Victoria|The Queen Victoria Public House]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_queen_vic.shtml |title= What's the history of the Queen Vic? |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061220221434/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_queen_vic.shtml |archivedate=2006-12-20|publisher=BBC}}</ref>


At the outset, official establishment of sworn constables holding common law powers to arrest people was achieved by Magistrates being given the power to swear them in via the Magistrates Ordinance of 1842. By 1846 the emerging organisation of a police force was recognised with the passage of the Armed Constabulary Ordinance. New Zealand's early police force continued to grow with the [[colony]], and was further enhanced with additional structure and rules with the passage of the first Police Act, the New Zealand Armed Constabulary Act of 1867. The Armed Constabulary took part in land wars against [[Māori]] opposed to colonial expansion at that time.
Fans have tried to establish the actual location of Walford within London. [[Walford East tube station|Walford East]] is a fictional [[tube station]] for Walford, and with the aid of a map that was first seen on air in 1996, it has been established that Walford East is located between [[Bow Road tube station|Bow Road]] and [[West Ham tube station|West Ham]], which realistically would replace [[Bromley-by-Bow tube station|Bromley-by-Bow]].<ref>"[http://underground-history.co.uk/walford.php Underground EastEnders]" URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>


From the police force's beginnings in 1840 through the next forty years, policing arrangements varied around New Zealand. Whilst the nationally organised Armed Constabulary split its efforts between regular law enforcement functions and militia support to the [[New Zealand Land Wars|Maori land wars]], some provinces desired local police forces of their own. This led to a separate Provincial Police Force Act being passed by the Parliament. However, provincial policing models lasted only two decades as economic depression in the 1870s saw some provinces stop paying their police as they ran out of money. Eventually, government decided a single nationally organised police would be the best and most efficient policing arrangement.
Walford has the [[postal district]] of [[London E20|E20]], and fans have also tried to pinpoint the location using this information. However, in reality London East postal districts stop at E18; the show's creators opted for E20 instead of E19 as it was thought to sound better.<ref name="20years">{{cite book | author=Smith, Rupert | title=EastEnders: 20 Years in Albert Square | publisher=BBC Books, BBC Worldwide Ltd | year=2005 | id=ISBN 0-563-52165-1}}</ref> The strongest claim to being the 'real' Albert Square is held by Ridley Road Market in [[Dalston]], a short pedestrianised road that features a daily market and established street vendors. The postcode for the area, [[London E8|E8]], was one of the working titles for the series.


The New Zealand Police Force was established as a single national force under the '''Police Force Act''' of 1886. The change in name was significant, and provincial policing arrangements were dis-established and their staff largely absorbed into the newly created New Zealand Police Force. At the same time, government took the important step to hive off the militia functions of the old Armed Constabulary, and form the genesis of today's New Zealand Defence Force, initially called in 1886 the New Zealand Permanent Militia.
In reality, at least two Albert Squares do exist in the [[East End of London]], one in [[Stratford, London|Stratford]] and the other in [[Ratcliff]], E1. However, the show's producers actually based the Square's design on the real life [[Fassett Square]] in [[Dalston]].<ref name="eehistory">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0005.shtml What is the history of ''EastEnders''?]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref>"[http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/london.gardens/guides/hackney.htm A Cycle Ride in Hackney]"{{dead link|date=February 2008}} URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> The name Walford is both a street in Dalston where Tony Holland lived and a [[blend]] of [[Walthamstow]] and [[Stratford]]&mdash;the areas of London where the creators were born.<ref name="20years"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_street_names.shtml |title= How was the name Walford chosen? |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070405114814/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_street_names.shtml |archivedate=2007-04-05|publisher=BBC}}</ref> Adding to the realism of the setting is the local newspaper, the fictional ''Walford Gazette'', in which events such as character arrests or murders appear.<!--in-merger from [[The Walford Gazette]]-->


Just a decade later, policing in New Zealand was given a significant overhaul. In 1898 there was a very constructive Royal Commission of Enquiry into New Zealand Police. The Royal Commission, which included the reforming Commissioner Tunbridge who had come from the Metropolitan Police in London, produced a far reaching report which laid the basis for positive reform of New Zealand Police for the next several decades. A complete review of Police's legislation in 1908 built significantly off the Royal Commission's work.
==Characters==
{{see also|List of characters from EastEnders}}


A further Police Force Act in 1947 reflected some changes of a growing New Zealand, and a country coming out of [[World War II]]. But the most significant change in the structure and arrangement for Police was to arrive after the departure of Commissioner Compton under a cloud of government and public concern over his management of Police in 1955. The appointment of a caretaker civilian leader of Police, especially titled "Controller General" to recognise his non-operational background, opened the windows on the organisation and allowed a period of positive and constructive development to take place.
''EastEnders'' was built around the ideas of relationships and strong families, with each character having a place in the community. This theme encompasses the whole Square, making the entire community a family of sorts, prey to upsets and conflict, but all pulling together in times of trouble. Co-creator [[Tony Holland]] was himself from a large East End family, and such families have typified ''EastEnders''. The first central family was [[the Beale/Fowler Family|the Beale and Fowler clan]] consisting of [[Pauline Fowler]], her husband [[Arthur Fowler|Arthur]], and teenage children [[Mark Fowler|Mark]] and [[Michelle Fowler|Michelle]]. Living nearby was Pauline's twin brother [[Pete Beale]], his wife [[Kathy Hills|Kathy]] and their son [[Ian Beale|Ian]]. Pauline and Pete's mother was the domineering [[Lou Beale|Lou]], who resided with Pauline and her family. Holland drew on the names of his own family for the characters.<ref name="Insidestory">{{cite book |last=Smith|first= Julia|authorlink= Julia Smith|coauthors=[[Tony Holland|Holland, Tony]]|title= [[EastEnders books#Non-fiction books|EastEnders - The Inside Story]] |year=1987|publisher=Book Club Associates|id=ISBN 0-563-20601-2}}</ref>


In 1958, the word "Force" was removed from the name when legislation was significantly revised.
The Watts and Mitchell families have been central to many notable ''EastEnders'' storylines&mdash;''EastEnders'' in the 1980s having been largely dominated by the Wattses, while the 1990s focused heavily on the Mitchells. [[Peggy Mitchell]], in particular, is notorious for her ceaseless repetition of such statements as "You're a Mitchell!" and "It's all about family!". The 2000s saw a new focus on the largely female Slater clan, before the return of an emphasis on the Watts and Mitchell families. Key people involved in the production of ''EastEnders'' have stressed how important the idea of strong families is to the programme.<ref name="Insidestory"/> From 2006, the [[Branning family]] has become an increasing focus of many of the show's storylines, the family an extension of the popular Jackson family of the 1990s.


On [[July 1]], [[1992]], the Traffic Safety Service of the Ministry of Transport was merged with the Police. Up until that time, the Ministry of Transport and local councils had been responsible for traffic law enforcement. In 2001, the Police re-established a specialist road policing branch known as the Highway Patrol. Today the Police are responsible for enforcing traffic law, while local councils enforce parking regulations. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssc.govt.nz/display/document.asp?docid=6081|title=Summary of review findings of de-merging traffic enforcement from Police|publisher=[[State Services Commission]]|date=[[26 April]] [[2007]]}}</ref>
Some families feature a stereotypical East End [[matriarch]]. Indeed, the matriarchal role is one that has been seen in various reincarnations since the programme's inception, often depicted as the centre of the family unit.<ref name="20years">{{cite book |last= Smith|first= Rupert|title= [[EastEnders books#Non-fiction books|''EastEnders: 20 years in Albert Square]] |year=2005|publisher=BBC books|id=ISBN 0-563-52165-1}}</ref> The original matriarch was Lou Beale, though later examples include [[Pauline Fowler]], [[Mo Butcher]], [[Mo Harris]], [[Pat Evans]] and Peggy Mitchell. These characters are seen as being loud and interfering but most importantly, responsible for the well-being of the family and usually stressing the importance of family, reflecting on the past.


The Police Act 1958 is being extensively reviewed. As of 2006 there is a consultative process for the drafting of a new Police Bill due to be submitted to Parliament in 2008.[http://www.policeact.govt.nz] This included the world's first use of a [[wiki]] to allow the public to contribute wording for the new Policing Act[http://wiki.policeact.govt.nz/]. The wiki was open for less than two weeks, but drew international attention.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7015024.stm|title=NZ police let public write laws|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=[[26 September]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref>
As is traditional in British soaps, female characters in general are central to the programme. Strong, brassy, long-suffering women who exhibit [[diva]]-like behaviour and stoically battle through an array of tragedy and misfortune.<ref name="redpepper">"[http://web.archive.org/web/20061229113716/http://www.redpepper.org.uk/cularch/xeastend.html Square deal]", ''Redpepper'. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Such characters include [[Angie Watts]], [[Kathy Mitchell]], [[Sharon Rickman]] and Pat Evans. Conversely there are female characters who handle tragedy less well, depicted as eternal victims and endless sufferers, who include [[Sue Osman]], [[Mo Mitchell]], [[Laura Beale]] and [[Lisa Fowler]]. The '[[Hooker with a heart of gold|tart with a heart]]' is another recurring character, often popular with viewers. Often their [[promiscuity]] masks a hidden [[vulnerability]] and a desire to be loved. Such characters have included Pat, [[Tiffany Mitchell]], [[Kat Moon]] and [[Stacey Slater]].<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4695877.stm Will Kat's exit harm EastEnders?]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref>


=== Notable policing events ===
A gender balance in the show is maintained via the inclusion of various 'macho' male personalities such as [[Phil Mitchell|Phil]] and [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]], 'bad boys' such as [[Den Watts]] and [[Dennis Rickman]] and 'heartthrobs' such as [[Simon Wicks]] and [[Jamie Mitchell]]. Another recurring male character type is the smartly dressed businessman, often involved in gang culture and crime and seen as a local authority figure. Examples include [[Steve Owen]], [[Jack Dalton (EastEnders)|Jack Dalton]], [[Andy Hunter]] and [[Johnny Allen (EastEnders)|Johnny Allen]]. Following criticism aimed at the show's over-emphasis on '[[gangster]]s' in 2005, such characters have been significantly reduced.<ref>"[http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/tv/2007/03/a_new_beginning_for_eastenders.html A new beginning for EastEnders] ''The Guardian''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> Another recurring male character seen in ''EastEnders'' is the 'loser' or 'soft touch', males often comically under the thumb of their female counterparts, which have included Arthur Fowler, [[Ricky Butcher]] and [[Lofty Holloway]].<ref name="20years"/>
During the [[1981 Springbok tour]], the Police formed two riot squads known as ''Red Squad'' and ''Blue Squad'' to control anti-[[South Africa under apartheid|apartheid]] protesters who laid siege to [[rugby union]] fields where the touring team was playing. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anc.org.za/un/conference/putting.html|title=Lessons from the Movements of Australia and New Zealand|last=Utting|first=Peter|publisher=Conference on International Anti-Apartheid Movements in South Africa's Freedom Struggle: Lessons for Today|date=October 2004}}</ref>


In July 1985, the New Zealand Police arrested two [[Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure|French Security Service]] operatives after the ''[[Rainbow Warrior (1978)|Rainbow Warrior]]'' was bombed and sunk in [[Auckland]] harbour. The rapid arrest was attributed to the high level of public support for the investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.police.govt.nz/operation/wharf/|title=Rainbow Warrior bombing, 1985|publisher=New Zealand Police}}</ref>
[[Image:Dot Lou Ethel ee.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Dot Cotton, Ethel Skinner and Lou Beale were Walford's original pensioners.]]
Over the years ''EastEnders'' has typically featured a number of elderly residents, who are used to show vulnerability, [[nostalgia]], stalwart-like attributes and are sometimes used for comedic purposes. The original elderly residents included Lou Beale, [[Ethel Skinner]] and [[Dot Branning|Dot Cotton]]. Over the years they have been joined by the likes of [[Jules Tavernier (EastEnders)|Jules Tavernier]], [[Nellie Ellis]] and [[Jim Branning]]. Focus on elderly characters has decreased since the show's inception. The programme has more recently included a higher number of teenagers and successful young adults in a bid to capture the younger television audience.<ref name="young">"[http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/hlr9501.html Why are soap operas so popular?]", ''aber.co.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref><ref name="young2">"[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060708/ai_n16529613 Young viewers switch from BBC to the internet]", ''The Independent''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref> This has spurred criticism, most notably from the actress [[Anna Wing]], who played Lou Beale in the show. She commented "I don't want to be disloyal, but I think you need a few mature people in a soap because they give it backbone and body... if all the main people are young it gets a bit thin and inexperienced. It gets too lightweight."<ref name="talk">"[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-122800423.html I STOPPED WATCHING ALBERT SQUARE.. NOW I LIKE EMMERDALE]", ''Talk Walford''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref>


A member of the New Zealand Police, [[Stewart Graeme Guthrie|Sergeant Stewart Graeme Guthrie]], was the last civilian recipient of the [[George Cross]], which is awarded for conspicuous gallantry. He fired a warning shot near a gunman at [[Aramoana massacre|Aramoana]] on [[November 13]], [[1990]], but was killed by a return shot from the gunman, who also killed twelve others.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=52837|supp=yes|startpage=2783|endpage=2784|date=[[17 February]] [[1992]]|accessdate=2008-04-09}}</ref>
''EastEnders'' has been known to feature a 'comedy double-act', originally demonstrated with the characters of Dot and Ethel, whose friendship was one of the serial's most enduring.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/4678803.stm Remembering EastEnders' Ethel]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on [[2006-10-24]].</ref> Other examples include [[Paul Priestly]] and [[Trevor Short]], [[Huw Edwards (EastEnders)|Huw Edwards]] and [[Lenny Wallace]], and [[Garry Hobbs]] and [[Minty Peterson]]. The majority of ''EastEnders''' characters are [[working-class]].<ref>"[http://www.johannhari.com/archive/article.php?id=844 Why Coronation Street Fills Me With Pride]", ''JohannHari.com'. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> [[Middle-class]] characters do occasionally become regulars, but have been less successful and rarely become long-term characters. In the main, middle-class characters exist as villains, such as [[James Wilmott-Brown]], [[May Wright]] and [[Stella Crawford]], or are used to promote positive [[Liberalism|liberal]] influences, such as [[Colin Russell (EastEnders)|Colin Russell]] or [[Rachel Kominski]].<ref name="redpepper"/>


More recently, the New Zealand Police has been involved in international policing and peacekeeping missions to [[East Timor]] and the [[Solomon Islands]], to assist these countries with establishing law and order after civil unrest. They have also been involved in Community Police training in [[Bougainville Province|Bougainville]], in conjunction with [[Australian Federal Police]]. Other overseas deployments for regional assistance and relief have been to [[Afghanistan]] as part of the [[Provincial Reconstruction Team|reconstruction effort]], the [[Kingdom of Tonga]], [[Thailand]] for the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|tsunami disaster]] and [[Indonesia]] after [[2002 Bali bombings|terrorist bombings]]. New Zealand Police maintains an international policing support network in eight foreign capitals, and has about 80 staff deployed in differing international missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.police.govt.nz/service/overseas/faq.html|title=FAQ about New Zealand Police overseas, International Service Group|publisher=New Zealand Police}}</ref>
''EastEnders'' has always featured a culturally diverse cast which has included [[Black people|black]], [[Asian people|Asian]], [[Turkish people|Turkish]] and [[Polish people|Polish]] characters. "The expansion of minority representation signals a move away from the traditional soap opera format, providing more opportunities for audience identification with the characters and hence a wider appeal".<ref>"[http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/E/htmlE/eastenders/eastenders.htm EastEnders]", ''www.museum.tv''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref><ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20060412075647/http://www.cre.gov.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew06m.RefLocID-0hg00900c008.Lang-EN.htm Coronation Street and EastEnders battle it out for coveted CRE Race In the Media Award]", ''cre.gov.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Despite this, the programme has been criticised by the [[Commission for Racial Equality]], who argued in 2002 that ''EastEnders'' was not giving a realistic representation of the East End's "ethnic make-up". They suggested that the average proportion of visible minority faces on ''EastEnders'' was substantially lower than the actual ethnic minority population in East London boroughs, and it therefore reflected the East End in the 1960s, not the East End of the 2000s. Furthermore it was suggested that an element of "[[tokenism]]" and [[Stereotype|stereotyping]] surrounded many of these minority characters.<ref>"[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20020421/ai_n12842465 EastEnders hasn't got enough black and Asian actors]", ''Sunday Mirror''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> The programme has since attempted to address these issues. A [[sari]] shop was opened and various characters of differing ethnicities were introduced throughout 2006 and 2007, including the [[Denise Fox|Fox]] family, the [[Masood Ahmed|Masoods]], and various background artists.<ref>"[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/oct/08/mondaymediasection12 The art of storytelling]", ''The Guardian''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> This was part of producer [[Diederick Santer]]'s plan to "diversify", to make EastEnders "feel more 21st century". ''EastEnders'' have had varying success with ethnic minority characters. Possibly the least successful were the [[India]]n Ferreira family, who were not well received by [[critic]]s or viewers and were dismissed as unrealistic by the Asian community in the UK.<ref>"[http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/3560 'Unrealistic' Ferreira family dismissed by Asian Steve]", ''The Stage''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref>


At least 17 people were arrested in [[2007 New Zealand anti-terror raids|a series of raids]] under the [[Suppression of Terrorism Act]] and the [[Firearms Act]] on [[October 15]], [[2007]]. The raids targeted a range of political activists allegedly involved in illegal firearms activity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10469938&pnum=0|title=Exclusive: Hunters alerted police to alleged terror camps|publisher=[[New Zealand Herald]]|date=[[15 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref>
Other recurring characters that have appeared throughout the serial are 'lost girls' such as [[Mary Smith]] and [[Donna Ludlow]], [[delinquent]]s such as [[Mandy Salter]], [[Stacey Slater]] and [[Jay Brown]], villains such as [[Nick Cotton]] and [[Trevor Morgan (EastEnders)|Trevor Morgan]], bitches such as [[Cindy Beale]] and [[Janine Evans]] and cockney '[[wide boy]]s' or '[[Opportunism|wheeler dealers]]' such as [[Frank Butcher]] and [[Alfie Moon]].<ref name="20years"/>


=== Killed on Duty ===
''EastEnders'' has a high cast turnover and characters are regularly changed in order to facilitate storylines or refresh the format.<ref>"[http://www.polity.co.uk/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9780745626543%5C001.pdf The Soap Business]", ''polity.co.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Following the departure of many established characters between 2004 and 2006, several families and long-term characters were introduced in 2006, which included the Fox and Wicks families and an extension of the already established Branning family.<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20060429231520/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060411.shtml Additions to the Branning clan]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref name="KellieDiane">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/07/eastenders.shtml Kellie Shirley and Diane Parish to join ''EastEnders'']", ''BBC Press Office''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/09_september/28/daniels.shtml Phil Daniels to join ''EastEnders''] ''BBC Press Office''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
[[As of 2008]], 28 police officers have been killed by criminal acts while in the performance of their official duties.<ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/about/memorial.html Memorial - New Zealand Police<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10531643|title=Two questioned after policeman chased, shot dead|publisher=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=[[11 September]] [[2008]]}}</ref>


== Arms ==
The show has also become known for the return of characters after they have left the show. Sharon Rickman has so far completed six separate stints on the programme, as did Frank Butcher, and writers stunned viewers by bringing back Den Watts 14 years after he was believed to have died.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a11021/dirty-den-to-return-to-walford.html Dirty Den 'to return' to Walford]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Some characters, including [[Tracy (EastEnders)|Tracy the barmaid]] (who has been in the show since 1985), have made occasional appearances over the years, without being involved in many major storylines. The character of [[Nick Cotton]] has gained a reputation for making constant exits and returns since the programme's first episode, having left the Square fifteen times since 1985, his most recent exit being in 2001.
New Zealand Police officers do not normally carry [[firearm]]s while on patrol, but routinely carry [[Oleoresin capsicum|pepper spray]] and [[Baton (law enforcement)|batons]]. [[Taser]]s fitted with cameras were introduced following a decision by Commissioner Broad in August 2008 as an additional [[non-lethal weapon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10529437|title=Broad confirms Taser introduction |last=Gower |first=Patrick |date=[[August 28]], [[2008]]|publisher=New Zealand Herald|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> However, specialist officers such as dog handlers and emergency response police often have a secure container within their police vehicle containing firearms; usually [[Glock 17]] pistols as well as [[Bushmaster M4A3]] XM15 carbines.
<ref>[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/waitara29b.htm Senior police carrying up to six firearms<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/resources/2005/annual-report/ Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2005 - New Zealand Police<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Weapons may be issued to front line staff in an armed response to a serious incident under the supervision of a senior officer. An armed response by police to an incident will often be considered a newsworthy event by the media.


In 1964, the [[Armed Offenders Squad]] (AOS) was created to provide a specialist armed response unit, similar to [[SWAT]] in the [[United States]].
Pauline Fowler's death in December 2006 meant that Ian Beale is the only character to have been in ''EastEnders'' from the first episode without making any exits. His portrayer is also the only remaining original cast member currently appearing in the show. [[Dot Branning]] joined later in 1985, while [[Pat Evans]] first appeared in 1986. Dot had a four-year break in the mid 1990s, but Pat has been a regular character since her arrival, and has never officially left. (Minor characters [[Winston (EastEnders)|Winston]] and [[Tracy (EastEnders)|Tracy]] have also appeared in EastEnders since 1985 and 1986 respectively, but are not considered main cast members.) Letitia Dean stated in an interview in July 2008 she would like to return as Sharon one day.
==Production==
===Production team===
{{main|List of EastEnders crew members}}


In addition to the AOS, the New Zealand Police maintain a unit known as the [[Special Tactics Group]] (STG). The STG, similar to the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI's]] [[Hostage Rescue Team]], are skilled at [[dynamic entry]] and other tactics that can make the difference in preventing a high-risk situation from resulting in the death of a police officer. The STG train with the [[Special Air Service of New Zealand|SAS]] and are the last line of law enforcement response available before a police Incident Controller calls in support from the Military.
===Filming===
''EastEnders'' is filmed at the [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]]. An aerial photo of the set can be seen [http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=51.658708&lon=-0.277718&z=19.7&r=0&src=msa here]. There are four episodes filmed per week.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0010.shtml |title= Educational resource (part two) |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070206193347/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0010.shtml |archivedate=2007-02-06|publisher=BBC}}</ref> When ''EastEnders'' went to four episodes a week, more studio space was needed. As a result, ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' was moved from its studio at Elstree to [[BBC Television Centre]] in April 2001.<ref>{{cite news |title= Revamped 'Top of the Pops' returns to old home after a decade in exile |url= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/revamped-top-of-the-pops-returns-to-old-home-after-a-decade-in-exile-631515.html|publisher= ''The Independent''|date=[[16 October]] [[2001]] |accessdate=2008-02-28}}</ref>


== Counter-Terrorism and Military Assistance ==
The episodes are usually filmed about six to seven weeks in advance of broadcast; however, during the winter period, filming often takes place up to eight or nine weeks in advance, due to less daylight for outdoor filming sessions.<ref name="eehistory"/><ref name="20years"/> This time difference has been known to cause problems when filming lot scenes. On [[8 February]] [[2007]], heavy [[snow]] fell on the set of ''EastEnders'',<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20070210160540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070108.shtml Winter Wonderland]", ''[[bbc.co.uk]]''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-10]]</ref> and filming had to be cancelled as the scenes due to be filmed on the day were to be transmitted in April.<ref>"[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=18596588%26siteid=89520-name_page.html Lets it snow - airports and schools closed]", ''The Mirror''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-10]]</ref>
The NZ Police are accountable for the operational response to threats to national security, including [[Terrorism in New Zealand|terrorism]]. If an incident escalates to a level where their internal resources are unable to adequately deal with the issue (for example, a major arms encounter or a significant terrorist threat), the Police Incident Controller may call on assistance from the [[New Zealand Defence Force]]. NZ's Special Forces, the [[Special Air Service of New Zealand|Special Air Service]] (and specifically, the CTTAG (Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group)) act as the military's [[special forces]] [[counter-terrorism]] force. The CTTAG are a subset of the [[Special Air Service of New Zealand|Special Air Service]], comprising personnel selected from the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]], [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] and [[New Zealand Army]] who have passed an abbreviated version of the SAS Selection course. <ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=32&objectid=10395864 Debunking rumours about new anti-terrorism unit - 12 Aug 2006 - Defence News - NZ Herald<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Even if the incident controller calls in the SAS, an armed incident remains the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Police, with the IC having go/no-go control over the regiment's response team. The incident at [[Aramoana massacre|Aramoana]] saw the Police request mobilisation of the SAS, but the incident was resolved by the [[Armed Offenders Squad]] before they were required.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}


== Organisation ==
Although episodes are predominantly recorded weeks before they air, occasionally, ''EastEnders'' includes [[current affairs]] in their episodes. In 1987, ''EastEnders'' covered the [[United Kingdom general election, 1987|general election]]. Using a plan devised by co-creators Smith and Holland, five minutes of material was cut from four of the pre-recorded episodes preceding the election. These were replaced by specially recorded election material, including representatives from each major party, and a scene recorded on the day after the election reflecting the result, which aired the following Tuesday.<ref name="first10years"/> During the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], actors filmed short scenes following the tournament's events, that were edited into the programme in the following episode.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5076722.stm World Cup fever hits Walford]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
[[Image:Royal New Zealand Police College, across Aotea Lagoon.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Royal New Zealand Police training college.]]
On [[22 October]] [[2007]], a scene was shot featuring characters [[Garry Hobbs]] and [[Minty Peterson]] mentioning the results of the [[2007 Rugby World Cup Final]], which was played two days before. The scene was aired in an episode later the same day.<ref>{{cite news|title=EastEnders film rugby scene |url=http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=191711&command=displayContent&sourceNode=191710&contentPK=18744329&folderPk=112383&pNodeId=191800|publisher=This Is North Scotland|accessdate=2007-10-23}}</ref>
Although headed by a [[Commissioner]], the New Zealand Police is a decentralised organisation divided into twelve districts, each with a geographical area of responsibility, several service centres that each provide a range of core nationwide services in their specialty areas, and a Police National Headquarters that provides policy and planning advice as well as national oversight and management of the organisation.


District Commanders hold the rank of [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]], as do sworn National Managers and the commandant of the [[Royal New Zealand Police College]]. Area Commanders hold the rank of [[Inspector]]. Shift Commanders normally hold the rank of Senior Sergeant. Service Centre Managers may be sworn or non-sworn, depending on specialty.
Several times a year ''EastEnders'' is filmed [[on location]], away from the studios at Elstree. These episodes have a practical function and are the result of ''EastEnders'' making a "double bank", when an extra week's worth of episodes are recorded at the same time as the regular schedule, enabling the production of ''EastEnders'' to stop for a two-week break at [[Christmas]].<ref name="first10years">{{cite book |last=Brake|first= Colin|authorlink= Colin Brake|title= [[EastEnders books#Non-fiction books|EastEnders: The First 10 Years: A Celebration]] |year=1995|publisher=BBC Books|id=ISBN 0-563-37057-2}}</ref> The famous [[EastEnders two-hander episodes|two-handers]] (when only two actors appear in an episode) were originally done for speed; while a two-hander is being filmed, the rest of the cast can be making another episode.


The New Zealand Police is a member of [[Interpol]] and has close relationships with the [[Law enforcement in Australia|Australian police forces]], at both the state and federal level. Several New Zealand Police representatives are posted overseas in key New Zealand diplomatic missions.
Online, fans are able to watch filming on the ''EastEnders'' [[webcam]], which is on the official BBC ''EastEnders'' website, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/webcam/ here]. It shows updated stills of Albert Square, [[Walford#Turpin Road|Turpin Road]] and [[Walford#George Street|George Street]]. The page also displays which episode is currently being filmed, the date it will be broadcast, and an extract of the script from that episode.


The Police also work closely with the [[Serious Fraud Office (NZ)|Serious Fraud Office]].
During Summer 2008, the Mitchell family was supposed to go to Spain for a handful of episodes to introduce the highly anticipated character [[Archie Mitchell]]. Due to budget restraints they were sent to [[Weymouth]] in [[Dorset]] instead-the second time in less than 2 years they have filmed there, the other when [[Shirley Carter]] was introduced. While there, it was reported the cast were harassed by some locals.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a93440/enders-cast-abused-by-yobs-in-dorset.html Soaps - News - 'Enders cast abused by yobs in Dorset - Digital Spy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Social realism==
=== Staff ===
[[Image:Police Officers In Downtown Auckland.jpg|thumb|right|Police officers on foot in the [[Auckland CBD]], wearing stabproof vests over normal uniforms.]]
''EastEnders'' programme makers took the decision that the show was to be about "everyday life" in the inner city "today" and regarded it as a "slice of life".<ref name=Geraghty1>{{cite book
| last = Geraghty
| first = Christine
| authorlink = Christine Geraghty
| title = Women and Soap Opera: A Study of Prime-Time Soaps
| publisher = [[Polity (publisher)|Polity Press]]
| year = 1991
| pages = p 32
| isbn = 0745604897 }}</ref> Creator/producer Julia Smith declared that "We don't make life, we reflect it".<ref name=Geraghty1/> She also said, "We decided to go for a realistic, fairly outspoken type of drama which could encompass stories about [[homosexuality]], [[rape]], [[unemployment]], [[Racism|racial prejudice]], etc., in a believable context. Above all, we wanted realism".<ref name=Geraghty2>{{cite book
| last = Geraghty
| first = Christine
| authorlink = Christine Geraghty
| title = Women and Soap Opera: A Study of Prime-Time Soaps
| publisher = [[Polity (publisher)|Polity Press]]
| year = 1991
| pages = p 16
| isbn = 0745604897 }}</ref>
[[Image:Wilmmott kathy.jpg|right|thumb|180px|The rape of Kathy Beale was one of the more controversial storylines tackled in 1988.]]
In the 1980s, ''EastEnders'' featured gritty storylines involving drugs and crime, representing the issues faced by working-class Britain much as ''[[Coronation Street]]'' did in the 1960s, although 20 years on, many of the issues facing working-class Britain were much more harrowing than those endured by the earlier generation. Such storylines include the cot death of 14-month-old [[Hassan Osman]], [[Nick Cotton|Nick Cotton's]] [[homophobia]], [[heroin]] addiction, and murders of [[Reg Cox]] and [[Eddie Royle]] (both of which failed to result in a conviction),<ref name="issues">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml |title= Which issues have been highlighted by ''EastEnders''? |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070223225130/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml |archivedate=2007-02-23|publisher=BBC}}</ref> the rape of [[Kathy Beale]] in 1988 by [[James Wilmott-Brown]]<ref name="issues"/> and Michelle Fowler's [[teenage pregnancy]]. The show also dealt with [[prostitution]], mixed-race relationships, [[shoplifting]], [[sexism]], [[divorce]], [[domestic violence]] and [[mugging]].


While sworn officers make up the majority of the workforce, non-sworn staff and volunteers provide a wide range of support services where a sworn officer's statutory powers are not required.
As the show progressed into the 1990s, ''EastEnders'' still featured hard-hitting issues such as Mark Fowler discovering he was [[HIV positive]]<ref name="issues"/> in 1991, the death of his wife [[Gill Fowler|Gill]] from [[AIDS]]-related illness in 1992, [[murder]], [[adoption]], [[abortion]], [[Peggy Mitchell|Peggy Mitchell's]] battle with [[breast cancer]],<ref name="issues"/> and [[Phil Mitchell|Phil Mitchell's]] [[alcoholism]] and violence towards wife Kathy.


=== Ranks ===
In the early 2000s, ''EastEnders'' covered the issue of [[euthanasia]] ([[Ethel Skinner|Ethel Skinner's]] death in a pact with her friend [[Dot Cotton]]), the unveiling of Kat Slater's abuse by her uncle [[Harry Slater|Harry]] as a child (which led to the birth of her daughter [[Zoe Slater|Zoe]], who had been brought up to believe that Kat was her sister), the domestic abuse of Little Mo Morgan by husband [[Trevor Morgan|Trevor]] (which involved [[rape]] and culminated in Trevor's death after he tried to kill Little Mo in a fire),<ref name="issues"/> [[Sonia Fowler|Sonia Jackson]] giving birth at the age of 15 and then putting her baby up for adoption, and [[Janine Butcher]]'s prostitution, [[agoraphobia]] and [[drug addiction]]. The soap has also recently tackled the issue of [[mental illness]] and carers of people who have mental conditions. This has been illustrated with mother and daughter [[Jean Slater|Jean]] and [[Stacey Slater]]; Jean suffers from [[bipolar disorder]], and teenage daughter Stacey was her carer (this storyline won a Mental Health Media Award in September 2006<ref name="mental">"[http://web.archive.org/web/20070207053634/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060905_n1.shtml Mental Health Media Awards 2006]" ''[[BBC]]''. URL accessed on [[2008-02-28]].</ref>). Mental health issues were also confronted in 1996 when 16-year-old [[Joe Wicks]] developed [[schizophrenia]] following the off-screen death of his sister in a car crash. The issue of [[illiteracy]] was highlighted by the characters of middle-aged [[Keith Miller (EastEnders)|Keith]] and his young son [[Darren Miller|Darren]].<ref name="issues"/> ''EastEnders'' has also covered the issue of [[Down's syndrome]], as [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy]] and [[Honey Mitchell|Honey]]'s baby, [[Janet Mitchell|Janet]], was born with the condition in 2006.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article56854.ece
|title = Down's baby in Enders
|publisher = The Sun
|date = [[22 July]] [[2006]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-22
}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' recently covered [[child abuse]] with its storyline involving Phil Mitchell's 11-year-old son [[Ben Mitchell (EastEnders)|Ben]] and [[lawyer]] girlfriend [[Stella Crawford]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=39858&in_page_id=7&in_a_source=|title=EastEnders to tackle child abuse|publisher=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]|date=[[5 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politics.co.uk/press-releases/domestic-policy/children/child-abuse/nspcc-research-reveals-childcare-professional%E2%80%99s-concerns-over-rise-in-emotional-abuse-$468374.htm|title=NSPCC research reveals childcare professional’s concerns over rise in emotional abuse |publisher=politics.co.uk|date=[[14 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> Later in 2007, the programme featured storylines dealing with cocaine abuse and prostitution when [[Tanya Branning|Tanya Branning's]] sister [[Rainie Cross|Rainie]] arrived in Albert Square for a brief stay. In 2008, Lucy Beale ran away. Aside from this, soap opera staples of youthful romance, jealousy, domestic rivalry, gossip and extramarital affairs are regularly featured, with high-profile storylines occurring several times a year.


Rank insignia is worn on the [[epaulette]]s. Officers of Inspector rank and higher are commissioned by the [[Governor General]], but are still promotions from the ranks of [[non-commissioned officers]].
''EastEnders'' will soon be tackling a story of [[child grooming]] involving the characters Tony King and Whitney Dean.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sentryparentalcontrols.co.uk/news/eastenders-tackles-paedophilia-with-grooming-plotline.aspx|title=EastEnders Tackles Paedophilia with 'Grooming' Plotline|publisher=[[Sentry Parental Controls]]|date=[[15 September]] [[2008]]|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>
* Recruit — word "RECRUIT" below police number
* [[Constable]] — police number
* Senior Constable — one white point-up chevron above police number
* [[Sergeant]] — three white point-up chevrons above police number
* Senior Sergeant — white crown between two ferns above police number
* [[Inspector]] — three silver stars ("pips")
* [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]] — one silver star below a crown
* Assistant Commissioner — three silver pips in a triangle below a crown
* Deputy Commissioner — silver crossed sword and baton below one star
* [[Police Commissioner|Commissioner]] — silver crossed sword and baton below a crown.


A recently graduated [[Constable]] is considered a Probationary Constable for up to two years, until he or she has passed ten workplace assessment standards and a compulsory university paper. The completion of the above is known as obtaining permanent appointment.
==History==
{{main|History of EastEnders}}
[[Image:Holland smith.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Julia Smith and Tony Holland, the creators of ''EastEnders''.]]
The idea for a new soap opera on BBC1 was conceived in 1983, by BBC executives, principally David Reid, the then Head of Series & serials, who was keen for the BBC to produce a new evening soap opera. They gave the job of creating this new soap to script writer [[Tony Holland]] and producer [[Julia Smith]], famous for their work together on ''[[Z Cars]]''. They created twenty-four original characters for the show, based upon Holland's own family, and people they remembered from their own experiences in the East End.


Detective ranks somewhat parallel the street ranks up to Detective Superintendent. Trainee Detectives spend around 6-12 months time as a Constable on Trial, before progression to Detective Constable after successful completion of an Induction course. There is then a Workplace assessment for Detective Constables, and after approximately 2-3 years in the [[Criminal Investigation Branch]], a Detective Constable may take the qualifying course to become a Detective.
They cast actors for their characters, and began to film the show at the [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]]. [[Simon May]] and Alan Jeapes created the title sequence and [[EastEnders theme tune|theme tune]], and the show with a working title of ''East 8'' was renamed ''Eastenders'', when Smith and Holland realised they had been phoning casting agencies for months asking whether they had "any real East Enders" on their books. Julia Smith thought "''Eastenders''" "looked ugly written down", and capitalised the second 'e', and thus the name ''EastEnders'' was born. The show was first broadcast on [[19 February]] [[1985]], and became wildly popular, displacing ''Coronation Street'' from the top of the ratings for the rest of the 1980s, much of the 1990s, and to some extent in the 2000s.


''Detective'' and ''Detective Constable'' are considered designations and not specific ranks. That is, Detectives do not outrank uniformed constables.
==Scheduling==
[[Image:EastEnders Radiotimes 3nights.jpg|right|thumb|A ''[[Radio Times]]'' cover marking the third episode in a week being added, and the Vic siege storyline.]]
For the past 20 years, ''EastEnders'' has remained at the centre of BBC One's primetime schedule. It currently airs at 19:30 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 20:00 on Monday and Friday. The [[omnibus (broadcast)|omnibus]] is aired on Sunday, though the exact time differs.


New Zealand police uniforms formerly followed the British model closely but since the 1970s a number of changes have been implemented. These include the adoption of a medium blue shade in place of dark blue, the abolition of helmets and the substitution of synthetic leather jackets for silver buttoned tunics when on ordinary duty. [[Armed Offenders Squad|AOS]] and [[Special Tactics Group|STG]] members, when deployed, wear the usual charcoal-coloured clothing used by armed-response and [[Counter-terrorism|counter-terror units]] around the world.
Originally, ''EastEnders'' was shown twice weekly at 19:00, however in August 1985 it moved to 19:30 as Michael Grade did not want the soap running in direct competition with ''Emmerdale Farm''; the BBC had originally planned to take advantage of the 'summer break' that ''Emmerdale Farm'' usually took in order to capitalise on ratings, but ITV added extra episodes and repeats so that ''Emmerdale Farm'' was not taken off air over the summer. Realising the futility of the situation, Grade decided to move the show to the later 19:30 slot, but to avoid tabloid speculation that it was a 'panic move' on the BBC's behalf, they had to "dress up the presentation of that move in such a way as to protect the show" giving "all kinds of reasons" for the move.


== Transportation ==
''EastEnders'' output then increased to three times a week, on [[11 April]], [[1994]].<ref name="edures">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0011.shtml |title= Educational resource (part one) |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070403175032/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0011.shtml |archivedate=2007-04-03|publisher=BBC}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' then added its fourth episode (shown on Fridays) on [[6 August]] [[2001]].<ref name="edures"/> This caused some controversy as it clashed with ''Coronation Street'', which at the time was moved to 20:00 to make way for an hour long episode of rural soap ''Emmerdale'' at 19:00 The move immediately provoked an angry response from ITV insiders, who argued that the BBC's last-minute move&mdash;only revealed at 15:30 on the day&mdash;broke an unwritten scheduling rule that the two flagship soaps would not be put directly against each other. In this first head-to-head battle, ''EastEnders'' claimed victory over its rival.<ref>{{cite news
[[Image:Police Car On An Auckland Street.jpg|thumb|right|Typical general duties police car livery.]]
|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2001/aug/13/broadcasting
[[Image:NZHighway patrol.jpg|thumb|right|Typical highway patrol car livery.]]
|title = EastEnders wins soap battle
The [[Holden Commodore]] is the current generic vehicle of choice for the Police - they have used [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcons]] in the past however. Liveries are checkered [[Battenburg markings]] orange-blue (general duties) or yellow-blue (highway patrol), as well as cars in standard factory colours. As of March 2008 the orange-blue livery has been phased out and all marked patrol vehicles now have the yellow-blue livery. Both Commodore [[sedan (car)|sedan]] and [[station wagon|wagon]] bodies are used - normally in [[V6 engine|V6]] form and optionally with an [[Liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] tank fitted.
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2001-08-13]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref>


Dog handlers have fully-enclosed utility or station wagon vehicles, which may be liveried or unmarked, with cages in the rear and remotely-operated canopy doors to allow the handler to release their dog if away from the vehicle.
From February to May 1995, as part of the programme's 10th Anniversary celebrations, Episodes from 1985 were repeated each morning at 10:00, starting from episode one. Selected episodes from 1985 and 1986 were also repeated on BBC1 on Friday evenings at 20:30 for a short while. In 1998, ''[[EastEnders Revealed]]'' was launched on [[BBC Choice]] (now [[BBC Three]]). The show takes a look behind the scenes of the ''EastEnders'' and investigates particular places, characters or families within ''EastEnders''. An episode of ''EastEnders Revealed'' that was commissioned for BBC Three attracted 611,000 viewers. In early 2003, viewers could watch episodes of ''EastEnders'' on digital channel BBC Three before they were broadcast on BBC One. This was to coincide with the relaunch of the channel and helped BBC Three break the one million viewers mark for the first time with 1.03 million who watched to see [[Mark Fowler]]'s departure.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2003/feb/14/bbc.overnights
|title = BBC3 breaks down the barriers
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2003-02-14]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref> In February 2005, there were reports that the ''EastEnders'' schedule was threatened due to production problems. Newspaper reports indicated that the show faced being taken off air for a fortnight after a storyline shortage. However, this was denied by the BBC. In March of the same year, as [[Peter Fincham]] became the BBC One controller, rumours were sparked that ''EastEnders'' could air in a new time slot.


== Accountabilities ==
''EastEnders'' is usually repeated on BBC Three at 22:00 and old [[reruns]] can often be seen on [[UKTV Gold]] (as of July 2008, UKTV Gold are showing episodes originally aired in October 2005. They are showing five episodes which means that five week's worth of episodes are shown every four weeks, which results in a catch-up rate of around three months per year.)<ref>"[http://www.uktv.co.uk/index.cfm?uktv=tv.series&tvSid=535 ''EastEnders'' - when is it on?]"{{dead link|date=February 2008}} ''UKTV''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref>
While the New Zealand Police is technically a government department and has political representation in Government through the Minister of Police, the Commissioner and all sworn members swear allegiance directly to the [[Monarchy in New Zealand|Sovereign]] and, by constitutional convention, have constabulary independence from the government of the day.


=== Crime statistics ===
As part of the BBC's digital push, ''[[EastEnders Xtra]]'' was introduced in 2005. The show was presented by [[Angellica Bell]] and was available to digital viewers at 20:30 on Monday nights. It was also shown after the Sunday omnibus. The series went behind the scenes of the show and spoke to some of the cast members.
In addition to the annual report, the Police also publishes six-monthly statistical summaries of crime for both New Zealand as a whole and each Police District. In early 2005, [[crime statistics]] for both Recorded Crime and Recorded Apprehensions for the last 10 years were published by [[Statistics New Zealand]]. These statistics provide offence statistics down to individual sections of legislation and appear to be the most detailed national crime statistics available today.
[[Image:Tmoretoee.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A screenshot from the "There's more to ''EastEnders''" advertising campaign.]]
A new breed of behind-the-scenes programmes have been broadcast on [[BBC Three]] since [[1 December]] [[2006]]. These are all documentaries related to current storylines in ''EastEnders'', in a similar format to ''EastEnders Revealed'', though not using the ''EastEnders Revealed'' name. ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Unveiled: A Weddings Special|EastEnders Unveiled: A Weddings Special]]'' gave viewers an insight into how the show's weddings are produced, and took a look at the past weddings of Walford. It was broadcast straight after the wedding of Ian Beale and [[Jane Collins]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a39255/behind-the-scenes-special-for-enders-wedding.html Behind-the-scenes special for 'Enders wedding]", ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-10]]</ref> ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Sweethearts: The Story of Martin and Sonia|EastEnders Sweethearts: The Story of Martin and Sonia]]'' aired on [[2 February]] [[2007]], following the departure of Martin and Sonia Fowler.<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20070202034007/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070118_n2.shtml EastEnders Sweethearts]", ''bbc.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2008-02-28]]</ref> ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Scandals: The Wicks Family|EastEnders Scandals: The Wicks Family]]'' aired on [[9 March]] [[2007]], coinciding with [[Kevin Wicks]]'s return to Walford.<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20070221125451/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070216.shtml EastEnders special]", ''[[bbc.co.uk]]''. URL last accessed [[2008-02-28]].</ref> ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Vixens: The Rise and Fall of Stella|EastEnders Vixens: The Rise and Fall of Stella]]'' was broadcast on [[July 20]], [[2007]] after the death of Stella Crawford and looked at the various female characters in EastEnders past and present.


== Recent controversies ==
On [[2 March]], BBC signed a deal with [[Google]] to put videos on [[YouTube]]. A behind the scenes video of ''EastEnders'', hosted by [[Matt Di Angelo]], was put on the site the same day,<ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=UVrzGOoQf5Q Behind The Scenes on EastEnders]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-06]]</ref> and was followed by another on [[6 March]].<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULI2afa_Rk&mode=related&search= BBC One - EastEnders - Down Memory Lane with Matt Di Angelo]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-23]].</ref> In April 2007, ''EastEnders'' became available to view on [[mobile phone]]s, via [[3G]] technology, for [[3 (telecommunications)|3]], [[Vodafone]] and [[Orange SA|Orange]] customers.<ref>"[http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml Doctor Who episodes coming to your mobile phone]", ''pocket-lint.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-30]].</ref> On [[21 April]] [[2007]], the BBC launched a new advertising campaign using the slogan "There's more to ''EastEnders''".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html 'EastEnders' new TV promo]", ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref> The first television advert showed Dot Branning with a refugee baby, [[Tomas Covalenco|Tomas]], who she took in under the pretence of being her grandson.<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAGZFQA_7I Eastenders - Dot's baby]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-23]].</ref> The second and third featured Stacey Slater and Dawn Swann, respectively.<ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y00_LCq3MsI BBC One - EastEnders - Stacey's Trail]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref><ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=q_XS7pHivvk Eastenders - Rob and Dawn]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref> There have also been adverts in magazines and on radio.
The New Zealand Police is considered one of the least [[Political corruption|corrupt]] police forces in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/settlementpack/Government/TheNZPolice/|title=Living in New Zealand - A guide for migrants - The New Zealand Police|publisher=[[Immigration New Zealand]]}}</ref> Despite this, there have been a number of recent controversies that have put the Police under close scrutiny. While the Police Complaints Authority is an independent body that investigates complaints against the New Zealand Police, the following events have either fallen outside the authority's ambit or received significant publicity.


=== Historic sexual misconduct ===
===International screenings===
In 2004, a number of historic sexual misconduct allegations dating from the 1980s were made against both serving and former police officers. Several senior officers were stood down. A commission of enquiry was convened but has made little progress to date due to formal charges being laid in several cases. In May 2005, the commission of enquiry was restructured to investigate only those cases where charges had not been laid.
''EastEnders'' is aired around the world in many [[English language|English-speaking]] countries, including [[New Zealand]] and [[Canada]]. The series aired in the [[United States]] until [[BBC America]] ceased broadcasts of the serial in 2003, amidst fan protests. It is shown on [[BBC Prime]] in [[Europe]] and [[Africa]] and is approx. six episodes behind the UK EastEnders.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/08_august/bbcprime_hillandknowlton.shtml BBC Prime]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref> It was also shown on [[BBC Prime]] in [[Asia]], but when the channel was replaced by [[BBC Entertainment]], it ceased showing the series.<ref>"[http://asia.bbcentertainment.com/faq.html#2 Frequently Asked Questions]" ''BBC Entertainment''. URL last accessed [[2007-10-11]]</ref> It is also shown on [[BBC Canada]].<ref>"[http://www.bbccanada.com/faq/ Frequently Asked Questions]" ''BBC Canada''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>


In March 2006 assistant police commissioner [[Clinton Rickards]] and former police officers [[Brad Shipton]] and [[Bob Schollum]] were charged with raping and sexually abusing [[Louise Nicholas]] in [[Rotorua]] during the 1980s. Rickards attended the [[High Court of New Zealand|High Court]] for the first day's hearing on [[March 13]], [[2006]] wearing police uniform, contravening police regulations forbidding an officer from wearing uniform while on suspension. He had been suspended on full pay for two years from the time the charges were laid. The defendants claimed all sex was consensual and all were found not guilty on [[March 31]], [[2006]]<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501049&ObjectID=10372534 Rickards rape trial accuser to take stand], [[New Zealand Herald]], [[March 14]], [[2006]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10375376 Jury clears men in police rape trial], [[New Zealand Herald]], [[March 31]], [[2006]]</ref>.
In June 2004, the [[Dish Network]] picked up ''EastEnders'', airing episodes starting at the point where [[BBC America]] had ceased broadcasting them, offering the serial as a pay-per-view item. Dish first broadcast two weeks' worth of shows each week to catch up. In approximately February 2005, the programming reached the point of being one month behind the new shows being aired in the UK. At that point, Dish stopped its double-helping schedule, and now maintains the schedule of airing the new programmes consistently one month behind the UK schedule. Episodes from prior years are still shown on various PBS stations in the US.
Subsequently, pamphlets and emails about two of the defendants were spread widely in defiance of previous court suppression orders. <ref>[http://subs.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501049&ObjectID=10376405 Nicholas suppression-order violators encourage others to join in]</ref>


In February 2007 the same three men faced historic charges of kidnapping and indecent assault for the pack rape of a 16-year-old woman with a [[whisky]] bottle that took place in the early 1980s.
In the [[United States]], the [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] station [[KOCE-TV]] ran the show one episode per week from 1990 to 1993, and currently shows two episodes weekly on Friday at 12:30 and 13:00 but has now ceased broadcasting. Their last repeat is on Sunday. [[Houston, Texas|Houston]]'s [[KUHT]] runs two episodes every Sunday night at 22:00 and 22:30. Similarly, [[WLIW]] in [[New York City]] schedules two episodes on Fridays at midnight with a recap of last weeks episodes. [[North Carolina]]'s public television outlet, [[UNC-TV]], runs two episodes per week, and receives generous financial support from the fundraising efforts of the North Carolina ''EastEnders'' Fan Club. Except on one occasion where public support dried up, [[KTEH-TV]] of [[San Jose, California]], has run the series, between two to four episodes weekly, since the early 1990s. TPT, Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul) airs two episodes every Friday evening. Miami's PBS station WPBT airs two episodes every Saturday morning at 11:00 and 11:30 and two episodes on Mondays at 02:00 and 02:30. Most PBS stations are nearly five years behind in the storyline, and those showing fewer than four episodes weekly are falling further behind.


While the three men were acquitted in both cases, suppression orders that had been in operation for three court cases involving the men were then lifted. Information that had been kept from both juries (but was widely distributed following the 2006 not guilty verdicts) was then allowed to be publicly released: Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum were convicted in 2005 of another historic pack rape with an object and are currently serving lengthy prison sentences for this crime.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10426475 Police sex trial: What the jury never knew]</ref>
The series was screened in [[Australia]] by the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] from 1987 until the early 1990s. Currently the series is seen in Australia only on pay-TV channel [[UK.TV]]. In [[New Zealand]], it was shown by [[TVNZ]] on TV One for several years, but is now on [[Prime Television New Zealand|Prime]] each weekday afternoon at 13:00. In [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], it is shown on [[RTÉ One]] at the same time as [[BBC One]], which is also widely received in the country. This sometimes creates the situation whereby RTÉ completes the airing of an episode before the BBC (usually only by a few seconds, or minutes at most). This is due to the same scheduled start times for the episodes (also differs by several seconds or minutes), but different advertisement formats which causes one to always marginally finish before the other. The series is also screened in [[the Netherlands]] due to BBC One being receivable for viewers there. EastEnders is also shown on the [[British Forces Broadcasting Service]]'s main TV channel, BFBS1, to members of [[Military of the United Kingdom|HM Forces]] stationed around the world.<ref>"[http://www.ssvc.com/bfbs/ BFBS homepage]" ''BFBS''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref>


The police future of Clint Rickards, the former Assistant Police Commissioner who has been suspended from this position on full pay since early 2004, remained undecided, although police sources have indicated that it is considered unlikely that he will be reappointed to this position following the controversy over these cases and the acquittals which have no doubt tarnished the reputation of police in New Zealand.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10426229 Rickards - I will return to police work]</ref>
==Popularity and viewership==
''EastEnders'' proved highly popular and Appreciation Indexes reflected this, rising from 55–60 at the launch to 85–95 later on, a figure which was nearly ten points higher than the average for a British soap opera. Research suggested that people found the characters true to life, the plots believable and, importantly in the face of criticism of the content, people watched as a family and regarded it as viewing for all the family. Based on market research by BBC commissioning in 2003, ''EastEnders'' is most watched by 60–74 year olds, closely followed by 45–59 year olds. An average ''EastEnders'' episode attracts a total audience share between 35 and 40%. Aside from that, the 10 p.m. repeat showing on [[BBC Three]] attracts an average of 500,000 viewers, whilst the Sunday omnibus attracts 3 million. ''EastEnders'' is one of the more popular programmes on [[British television]] and regularly attracts between 7 and 19 million viewers<ref name="19mil">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5180518.stm EastEnders ratings hit record low]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-01]].</ref> and while the show's ratings have fallen since its initial surge in popularity and it generally rates lower than its ITV rival ''Coronation Street'', the programme continues to be largely successful for the BBC. In order to maximise ratings, the BBC and ITV are usually careful to avoid scheduling clashes between their flagship soaps. In 2001 however, the soaps clashed for the first time. ''EastEnders'' won the battle with 8.4 million viewers (41% share) whilst ''Coronation Street'' lagged behind with 7.3 million viewers (36% share).<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/1483729.stm Soaps battle in TV showdown]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-01]].</ref>
[[Image:Den Ange Divorce.jpg|right|thumb|200px|30.15 million viewers watched Den serve Angie divorce papers (Christmas 1986).]]
The launch show attracted 17 million viewers in 1985; this was perhaps helped by the amount of press attention it received, something which continues today.<ref>"[http://susilo.typepad.com/nurani/2005/02/the_soap_that_j.html The soap that just won't wash]", ''Rumah Kecil''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref>


=== Communications centres ===
On [[Christmas]] Day 1986, ''EastEnders'' attracted 30.15 million viewers who tuned in to see Den Watts hand over divorce papers to wife Angie. This remains the highest rated episode of a soap in British television history.<ref name="xmasdenange">"[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=346942&in_page_id=1773 The biggest TV audience ever... it is now]" ''The Mail'' URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
In 2004 and 2005, the police were criticised over several incidents in which callers to the Police Communications Centres, particularly those using the [[1-1-1|111]] [[emergency telephone number]], are alleged to have received inadequate responses.
On [[21 September]] [[2004]], [[Louise Berridge]], the then executive producer, quit following criticism of the show.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2004/sep/22/broadcasting.bbc
|title = Axe falls on EastEnders boss
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2004-09-22]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref> The following day the show received its lowest ever ratings at that time (6.2 million) when ITV scheduled an hour long episode of ''[[Emmerdale]]'' against it. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 8.1 million people. The poor ratings motivated the press into reporting viewers were bored with implausible and ill thought out storylines.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3679776.stm
|title = EastEnders loses out to Emmerdale
|publisher = BBC News
|date = [[2004-07-22]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref> [[Kathleen Hutchison]], who had been the executive producer of hospital drama ''[[Holby City]]'', was announced as the new executive producer.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a15865/berridge-quits-eastenders.html Berridge quits ''EastEnders'']" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Within a few weeks, she announced a major shake-up of the cast with the highly-criticised Ferreira family, first seen in June 2003, written out at the beginning of 2005.<ref name="ferreiras">"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a16288/eastenders-entire-ferreira-family-axed.html ''EastEnders'': Entire Ferreira family axed]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Hutchison went on to axe other characters including Andy Hunter, [[Kate Mitchell]], [[Juley Smith]] and [[Derek Harkinson]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a17058/confirmed-eastenders-axe-for-andy-hunter.html Confirmed: ''EastEnders'' axe for Andy Hunter]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a16160/confirmed-eastenders-actress-axed.html Confirmed: ''EastEnders'' actress axed]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a18463/eastenders-actor-to-leave-soap.html ''EastEnders'' actor to leave soap]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Whilst she was there, she set about reversing the previous executive producer's work. It indicated a fresh start for ''EastEnders'' after declining ratings in 2004.


In October 2004, under sustained political scrutiny for these apparent systemic problems in the Communications Centres, and after the [[Iraena Asher]] incident received a lot of publicity and a [[whistleblower|whistle-blowing]] employee resigned, the Commissioner of Police ordered an Independent Review into the Communications Centres. On [[May 11]], [[2005]], the Review Panel released a report into the service that the Commissioner described as provocative, and others called "damning" <ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/resources/2005/comm-centres-review/ Communications Centres Service Centre Independent External Review Final Report - New Zealand Police<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. It criticised the service for systemic failures and inadequate management, and expressed ongoing concerns for public safety.
In January 2005, after just four months, Kathleen Hutchison left ''EastEnders''. [[John Yorke]] who led ''EastEnders'' through what [[Mal Young]] (the then head of BBC drama) said was one of its most successful periods in 2001, returned to the BBC as the head of drama, meaning his responsibilities included the running of ''EastEnders''. He also brought back long serving script writer [[Tony Jordan]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a18782/exec-producer-hutchison-to-leave-eastenders.html Exec producer Hutchison to leave ''EastEnders'']" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> It is reported that the cast and crew did not get on well with Hutchison as she had them working up to midnight and beyond.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a16550/overworked-eastenders-are-losing-sleep.html Overworked ''EastEnders'' are losing sleep]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> She is also said to have rejected several planned storylines and demanded re-writes. This was one of the reasons storylines such as the Real Walford football team were suddenly ignored. But through her short reign she led ''EastEnders'' to some of its most healthy viewing figures in months. John Yorke immediately stepped into her position until a few weeks later when [[Kate Harwood]] was announced as the new executive producer.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/02_february/24/harwood.shtml BBC appoints new Executive Producer for ''EastEnders'']" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
Police acted on the recommendations of the review with a number of initiatives, including increasing communications centre staff numbers <ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/news/tenone/20050722-275/feature_commscentre.htm Ten-One: Comms Centres boost staff numbers - New Zealand Police<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and then initiating a demonstration project for a future "Single Non-Emergency Number" (SNEN) <ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/news/tenone/20060915-289/feature-SNEN.htm Ten-One: Countdown to SNEN lift-off<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/news/tenone/20060915-289/feature-SNENwhy.htm Ten-One: SNEN – What is it and why are we doing it?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.police.govt.nz/news/tenone/20060915-289/feature-SNENmgr.htm Ten-One: SNEN Centre Manager appointed<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> centre, to reduce the load on the 111 service.


=== Pornographic e-mails ===
In the autumn of 2005, ''EastEnders'' saw its average audience share increase. This was thanks to a succession of ratings-grabbing storylines which included the arrest of [[Sam Mitchell (EastEnders)|Sam Mitchell]] for the murder of [[Den Watts]], the marriage of Sharon and Dennis Rickman, the return of the Mitchell brothers, Chrissie Watts being arrested after she was discovered to have been Den's real killer, and the death of Dennis Rickman at the hands of a mysterious attacker. Weeks after this, ITV again scheduled episodes of ''Emmerdale'' against ''EastEnders'', in which Emmerdale came out on top for a few times. The episode of ''Emmerdale'', which saw the departure of one of its more popular characters, [[Zoe Tate]], attracted 8.3 million viewers, leaving ''EastEnders'' with 6.6 million for the funeral of Den Watts.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4275032.stm Emmerdale tops ITV 50th ratings]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref> However, this indirectly helped increase the audience of digital channel BBC Three as 1 million (10% share) tuned in to see the second showing. However, the battle between ''EastEnders'' and ''Emmerdale'' saw ''EastEnders'' come out on top with 200,000 more viewers on [[1 December]] [[2005]]. ''EastEnders'' was the top-rated soap on Christmas Day 2005, attracting 10.6 million viewers while ''Coronation Street'' got 9.8 million.<ref>"[http://www.clivebanks.co.uk/Christmasinvasion.htm 'The Christmas Invasion']", ''clivebanks.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref> 12.6 million viewers watched as [[Dennis Rickman]] was stabbed by a mystery attacker on [[30 December]] [[2005]], and the aftermath attracted 12.34 million viewers on [[2 January]] [[2006]].
In November 2004, police [[Information technology|IT]] staff secretly cloned the police e-mail system and subjected it to forensic analysis. Over 300 employees were found to have what were considered "inappropriate" e-mail images, many sexually explicit. Many were subjected to internal disciplinary procedures and [[counselling]]. No criminal charges were laid however 351 staff members were required to attend ''Insight Training'' seminars between May 2005 and June 2006. <ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/organisation/story.cfm?o_id=131&ObjectID=10396086 Anti-porn talks cost police $163,000 - 14 Aug 2006 - NZ Police<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.


The Police Commissioner was politically criticised for being too soft with his staff, despite initiating the investigation and pro actively making the findings of the investigation public before employees were even confronted and questioned about the e-mails concerned. This investigation is said to have prompted further investigations amongst other government agencies. {{Fact|date=September 2008}}
Since then ''EastEnders'' has beaten ''Coronation Street'' in the ratings several times, although ''Coronation Street'' continues to average more on a regular basis. Ratings reached an all-time low in July 2006 with 5.2 million viewers, followed two days later by only 3.9 million when the series was scheduled against the action packed hour long episode of ''Emmerdale'' on ITV1 featuring several characters trapped in an exploding show home.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006320673,,00.html 3.9 m, Ratings drop to a new low]"{{dead link|date=February 2008}} ''The Sun''. URL last accessed on [[2006-07-15]]</ref>
[[Image:Pauline dead.jpg|left|thumb|The episode of Pauline's exit proved popular with viewers.]]
Christmas Day 2006 saw ''EastEnders'' as the top rated soap; 10.7 million viewers watched to see the death of Pauline Fowler.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6209697.stm Vicar of Dibley tops Christmas TV]", ''[[BBC News]]''. URL last accessed [[2007-01-02]]</ref> In previous two weeks to that, it reached 9.90 and 9.85 million viewers.


=== Police culture ===
In February 2007, the show was criticised for boring storylines and acting. ''EastEnders'' was consequently snubbed from the [[Royal Television Society]] awards.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article19783.ece ''EastEnders''? Leave it out!]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-05]]</ref> ''EastEnders'' received its second lowest ratings on [[17 May]] [[2007]], when 4.0 million viewers tuned in to see Ian Beale and Phil Mitchell's car crash, part of the show's most expensive stunt. This was also the lowest ever audience share, with just 19.6%. This was attributed to a conflicting one hour special episode of ''Emmerdale'' on ITV1 which revealed the perpetrator in the long running [[Tom King (Emmerdale)|Tom King]] [[Who Killed Tom King?|murder mystery storyline]]. ''Emmerdale'''s audience peaked at 11.1 million. Ratings for the 10 p.m. ''EastEnders'' repeat on BBC Three reached an all time high of 1.4 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article229840.ece|title=EastEnders is car crash TV|publisher=The Sun|date=[[19 May]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=49623&in_page_id=7|title=EastEnders slumps to record low|publisher=Metro.co.uk|date=[[19 May]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> However, on Christmas Day 2007, ''EastEnders'' gained one of its highest ratings for years and the highest ratings for any TV programme in 2007, when 13.9 million viewers saw [[Bradley Branning]] find out his wife [[Stacey Branning|Stacey]] had been cheating with his father, [[Max Branning|Max]].<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7160322.stm EastEnders tops Christmas ratings]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-12-26]].</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7195761.stm|title=EastEnders tops 2007's TV ratings |publisher=BBC News|date=[[2008-01-18]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a82272/enders-wins-christmas-day-ratings-battle.html Soaps - News - 'Enders wins Christmas Day ratings battle - Digital Spy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The earlier first half had achieved 11.8 million viewers. The second half of the double bill was the most watched programme on Christmas Day 2007 in the UK, while the first half was third most watched, surpassed only by the [[Voyage of the Damned (Doctor Who)|Doctor Who Christmas special]]. When official figures came out a few weeks later, it was confirmed 14.38 million viewers had watched the Christmas Day episode of EastEnders, and that it wad the highest UK TV Audience for ANY TV show during 2007.
After a sergeant was found guilty in February 2005 of assault and prisoner abuse in a [[South Auckland]] police station, there were claims that the practices were endemic in the police, and strange [[dark humour]] photographs surfaced. An investigation into "Police Culture" reported on [[October 10]], [[2005]] that while the defunct Emergency Response Group at Counties-Manukau used excessive force and took inappropriate and degrading photographs of people in custody, there was no nationwide problem with police culture <ref>[http://subs.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1500913&ObjectID=10349834 New cases of police abuse in spotlight - 12 Oct 2005 - Police Culture - Feature<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
On [[24 March]] [[2008]], EastEnders attracted a strong audience of 11.4 million viewers a 42.4% audience share, which saw Max Branning buried alive by his wife Tanya Branning. This episode beat the double bill of ''Coronation Street'' which attracted 10.9 million viewers at 7.30pm a 41% audience share and 9.9 million viewers a 36.5% audience share at 8.30pm.


=== Cooked statistics ===
On the special week of episodes which saw Sean, Ronnie and Peggy head over to Dorset to find Roxy, attracted an approximately 11.85 million viewers. (7th-11th of July){{Fact|date=July 2008}}
Following reductions in recorded crime in 2004 combined with increases in resolved offences, suggestions were made by both politicians, and some police officers, that statistics were being "cooked" or unethically reported and resolved by the Police, especially with the use of "custody clearances" for already convicted offenders <ref>http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3287440a11,00.html</ref><ref>http://www.intl-news.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2215</ref>. The Police and the Police Minister have refuted these allegations <ref>http://uncorrectedtranscripts.clerk.govt.nz/Documents/20050301.htm#_Toc97460297</ref>, stating that the clearances concerned make up only 0.9% of all cleared crime and have been used consistently for many years.


=== Taser trial ===
On [[22 July]] [[2008]] 4.9 million viewers and a (27.0% share) watched the soap, it's lowest audience since May 2007 where it had 4.0m.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
{{see also|Taser controversy}}
The New Zealand Police [[taser]] trial commenced on Friday [[September 1]], [[2006]] for a twelve month period<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=0004B8C9-91CF-14F4-BA4C83027AF1002A Tasers on the streets from this Friday], Derek Cheng, [[New Zealand Herald]], [[30 August]] [[2006]]</ref>. Some opposition to the trial has been expressed by various people, including [[Māori Party]] police spokesperson [[Hone Harawira]], [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green party]] police spokesperson, [[Keith Locke]] <ref>[http://greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR10146.html Police too eager to use taser], Keith Locke, [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party website]] [[September 10]], [[2006]]</ref>, and several high profile individuals including [[Barrister]], Marie Dyhrberg and [[Paul Reeves|Sir Paul Reeves]] who have formed a lobby group hosting a blog website <ref>http://www.campaignagainstthetaser.com Campaign Against The Taser.com (CATT)</ref> opposing their use<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/organisation/story.cfm?o_id=600630&ObjectID=10385354 Opponents fear abuse of stun gun], Derek Cheng, [[New Zealand Herald]], [[7 June]], [[2006]]</ref>. The first person to be tasered was an 18 year old after an incident in the [[Auckland]] suburb of [[Western Springs]] on [[September 8]], [[2006]]<ref>[http://xtramsn.co.nz/news/0,,11964-6279537,00.html First Use Of Taser By Police], Xtra MSN, [[September 9]], [[2006]]</ref>.


Since the completion of the trial it has been revealed that even if the taser is approved it is unlikely that every frontline officer would be equipped with a taser.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.police.govt.nz/resources/2006/taser-trial/|title=Taser trial|publisher=New Zealand Police}}</ref>
Between 2001 and 2002, ''EastEnders'' was the 10th most searched-for TV show on the Internet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=58318 |title= Most searched-for TV show |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060902153207/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=58318 |archivedate=2006-09-02|publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref> It was the 2nd most popular UK search term in 2003,<ref>"[http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist2003.html 2003 Year-End Zeitgeist]", ''Google Press Center'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> and the 7th in 2004.<ref>"[http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist2004/intl-zeitgeist.html International 2004 Year-End Zeitgeist]", ''Google Press Center'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> ''EastEnders'' holds the record for the most watched soap episode in Britain.<ref name="xmasdenange"/> In 2001, ''EastEnders'' went head to head with rival soap ''[[Coronation Street]]'' for the first time. ''EastEnders'' won the battle with 8.4 million viewers (41%) while ''Coronation Street'' attracted 7.3 million (36%).<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/1485953.stm EastEnders wins soaps showdown]", ''BBC'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> Since ''EastEnders'' began in 1985, at least one of its episodes have rated higher than any other British soap opera throughout each decade. This includes the 1980s, 1990s and so far the 2000s.


===Critique===
== See also ==
*[[Organised Crime Agency]]
''EastEnders'' has received both praise and criticism for most of its storylines, which have dealt with difficult themes, such as violence, rape and murder. In 1997 several episodes were shot and set in Ireland, resulting in criticisms for portraying the Irish in a negatively stereotypical way. Ted Barrington, the Irish Ambassador to London at the time, described the portrayal of Ireland as an "unrepresentative caricature", stating he was worried by the negative stereotypes and the images of drunkenness, backwardness and isolation. Jana Bennett, the BBC's then director of production, later apologised for the episodes, stating on BBC1's news bulletin: "It is clear that a significant number of viewers have been upset by the recent episodes of ''EastEnders'', and we are very sorry, because the production team and programme makers did not mean to cause any offence." A year later BBC chairman Christopher Bland admitted that as result of the Irish-set EastEnders episodes, the station failed in its pledge to represent all groups accurately and avoid reinforcing prejudice.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/172718.stm BBC sets out pledges], ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-06-21]].</ref>
*[[Royal New Zealand Police College]]
*[[Special Tactics Group]]
*[[Armed Offenders Squad]]
*[[Police Negotiation Team]]


== References ==
[[Mary Whitehouse]] argued at the time that ''EastEnders'' represented a violation of "family viewing time" and that it undermined the [[Watershed (television)|watershed]] policy. She regarded ''EastEnders'' as a fundamental assault on the family and morality itself. She made reference to representation of family life and emphasis on psychological and emotional violence within the show. She was also critical of language such as "bleeding", "bloody hell", "bastard" and "for [[Christ]]'s sake". However, Whitehouse also praised the programme, describing [[Michelle Fowler]]'s decision not to have an abortion as a "very positive storyline". She also felt that ''EastEnders'' had been cleaned up as a result of her protests, though she later commented that ''EastEnders'' had returned to its old ways. Her criticisms were widely reported in the tabloid press as ammunition in its existing rivalry with the BBC. The stars of ''Coronation Street'' in particular aligned themselves with Mary Whitehouse, gaining headlines such as "STREETS AHEAD! RIVALS LASH SEEDY EASTENDERS" and "CLEAN UP SOAP! Street Star Bill Lashes 'Steamy' EastEnders".

The long-running storyline of Mark Fowler's [[HIV]] was so successful in raising awareness that in 1999, a survey by the National Aids Trust found teenagers got most of their information about HIV from the soap, though one campaigner noted that in some ways the storyline was not reflective of what was happening at the time as the condition was more common among the [[gay community]]. Still, heterosexual Mark struggled with various issues connected to his HIV status, including public fears of contamination, a marriage breakdown connected to his inability to have children and the side effects of combination therapies. However, in early 2003, when the makers of the series decided to write Mark out of the series, he left Walford to travel the world, and his death was announced a year later.

The [[child abuse]] storyline with Kat Slater and her uncle Harry saw calls to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ([[NSPCC]]) go up by 60%. The chief executive of the NSPCC praised the storyline for covering the subject in a direct and sensitive way, coming to the conclusion that people were more likely to report any issues relating to child protection because of it. In 2002, ''EastEnders'' also won an award from the Mental Health Media Awards held at BAFTA for this storyline.

''EastEnders'' is often criticised for being too violent, most notably during a [[domestic violence]] storyline between Little Mo Morgan and her husband Trevor. As ''EastEnders'' is shown pre-watershed, there were worries that some scenes in this storyline were too graphic for its audience. Complaints against a scene in which Little Mo's face was pushed in [[gravy]] on Christmas Day were upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Council. However, a helpline after this episode attracted over 2000 calls. [[Erin Pizzey]], who became internationally famous for having started one of the first [[Women's shelter|Women's Refuges]], said that ''EastEnders'' had done more to raise the issue of violence against women in one story than she had done in 25 years. The character of [[Phil Mitchell]] (played by [[Steve McFadden]] since early 1990) has been criticised on several occasions for glorifying violence and proving a bad role model to children.

Originally there was a storyline written that the whole Ferreira family killed their pushy father [[Dan Ferreira|Dan]], but after actor [[Dalip Tahil]] could not get a visa for working in the UK the storyline was scrapped and instead [[Ronny Ferreira]] got stabbed and survived. This storyline was criticised by many as it seemed rushed and no reason was given for Dan's disappearance.<ref>"[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_objectid=16708351%26method=full%26siteid=94762-name_page.html 21 Years of EastEnders: Secrets of Walford]" ''The Mirror'', last accessed on [[2006-07-15]]</ref>

In 2003, [[Shaun Williamson]], who was in the final months of his role of [[Barry Evans (EastEnders)|Barry Evans]], said that the programme had become much grittier over the past ten to fifteen years, and found it "frightening" that parents let their young children watch.

The BBC was accused of anti-religious bias by a [[House of Lords]] committee, who cited ''EastEnders'' as an example. Dr. [[Indarjit Singh]], editor of the Sikh Messenger and patron of the World Congress of Faiths, said: "''EastEnders''' Dot Cotton is an example. She quotes endlessly from the [[Bible]] and it ridicules [[religion]] to some extent."
[[Image:Eeowendenise.JPG|thumb|right|200px|The scene involving Owen and Denise that prompted 128 complaints.]]
[[Susan Tully]], who played Michelle Fowler from the show's inception until 1995, has caused controversy with fans after refusing to return to the show for important events regarding the Fowler family such as Mark and Pauline's weddings to [[Lisa Fowler|Lisa Shaw]] and [[Joe Macer]], respectively, and Michelle's father Arthur and Mark's funerals. The actress rejected offers to return again for Pauline's funeral, and [[Scarlett Johnson]], who played [[Vicki Fowler]], wasn't asked to return.<ref>"[http://orange.co.uk/entertainment/television/14208.htm?linkfrom=entertainment_television_default&link=box_main_pos_1_1_link_title&article=entertainmenttvtop2ndstory Family snubs Pauline's funeral]", ''Orange''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-13]]</ref> It has been a common practice in the programme for former characters not to return for important events regarding their family members.

In July 2006, former cast member [[Tracy-Ann Oberman]] suggested that the scriptwriters had been "on [[Cocaine#Crack cocaine|crack]]" when they penned the storyline about Den's murder and described her 18 months on the show as being "four years of acting experience".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a35246/ex-eastenders-star-slams-script-writers.html Ex-EastEnders star slams script writers]", ''Digital Spy'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-25]]</ref> [[Wendy Richard]], who played Pauline Fowler for 21 years, has also claimed that she quit the show because of the producers' decision to remarry her character to Joe Macer (played by [[Ray Brooks (actor)|Ray Brooks]]), as she felt this was out of character for Pauline.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5252028.stm Richard 'quit soap over wedding']", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>

In August 2006, a scene involving [[Carly Wicks]] and [[Jake Moon]] having sex on the floor of [[Scarlet (EastEnders)|Scarlet]] nightclub, and another scene involving Owen Turner violently attacking Denise Fox, prompted 129 and 128 complaints, respectively.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4776447.stm BBC defends ''EastEnders'' sex scene]" ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> Carly and Jake's sex scenes were later removed from the Sunday omnibus edition.

[[Image:Billy honey janet.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Billy and Honey Mitchell, with their baby daughter Janet.]]
The birth of Billy and Honey Mitchell's baby, Janet, diagnosed with [[Down's syndrome]], has attracted a lot of criticism. The storyline has been criticised by the Royal College of Midwives, who claim the storyline was inaccurate and unrealistic. They claim that Honey should not have been refused an [[epidural]] and should not have been told about her daughter's condition without her husband being present. They also claim that the baby appeared rigid when in fact she should have been floppy, and that nobody opened the baby's blanket to check.<ref name="24dash">{{cite news
|title = BBC soap EastEnders slammed over Down's Syndrome baby birth
|url = http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=47&newsID=10388
|publisher = 24dash.com
|date = [[2006-09-13]]
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref> The BBC say a great deal of research was undertaken such as talking to families with children who have Down's syndrome, and liaising with a senior midwife as well as the Down's Syndrome Association. The BBC say Honey was not refused an epidural but had actually locked herself away in the bathroom. They were also unable to cast a baby with Down's syndrome for the first few episodes, which is why the baby appeared rigid.<ref name="24dash"/> The Down's Syndrome Association say that the way in which Billy and Honey found out about their baby's condition and their subsequent support is not a best practice model, but is still a realistic situation.<ref name="bbcnews">{{cite news
|title = Midwives attack EastEnders plot
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5339012.stm
|publisher = [[BBC News]]
|date = [[2006-09-12]]
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref> Conversely, learning disability charity [[Mencap]] have praised the soap, saying it will help to raise awareness.<ref name="bounty">{{cite news
|title = Mencap praise for Down syndrome soap story
|url = http://www.bounty.com/News.aspx?Article=17638151
|publisher = bounty.com
|date =
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref>

The showdown of Rob, Dawn and May's storyline where May stated to Dawn she could give her an elective caesarean (Dawn being handcuffed to the bed) prompted 200 complaints reported by The Sun.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article237964.ece 200 complaints for eastenders]" "The Sun". URL last accessed [[2007-07-20]]</ref> The 2007 domestic abuse storyline involving Ben Mitchell and Stella Crawford has attracted sixty complaints from viewers, who found scenes where Ben was attacked by bullies as Stella looked on "upsetting".<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article23676.ece Fan fury at Ben's bullying]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-31]].</ref>

In May 2007, it was decided that the ending of a current storyline featuring characters of [[Dawn Swann]], [[Dr. May Wright]] and [[Rob Minter]] would be substantially rewritten due to the [[Disappearance of Madeleine McCann|disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann]]. The storyline would have seen May ran off with Dawn and Rob's baby shortly after it had been born.<ref name="Maddie">"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a58142/eastenders-axe-baby-abduction-plot.html 'EastEnders' axe baby abduction plot]", ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2007-05-25]].</ref> The move has attracted some criticism as to how it relates directly to the disappearance of the toddler,<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/mysun/comment/view.page?storyId=2007230631&submissionId=76482 Enders cancel Maddie plot]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-05-25]].</ref> but the BBC has defended its actions by stating that "In the current circumstances it was felt any storyline that included a child abduction would be inappropriate and could cause distress to our viewers."<ref name="Maddie"/>

In March 2008, scenes showing Tanya Branning and boyfriend, Sean Slater, burying Tanya's husband Max alive, attracted many complaints. Tanya was seen drugging Max before she and Sean pulled him out to a van and drove him to nearby woods. They then placed him in an open coffin and filled it with soil before driving away, leaving him for dead. However, in the next episode Tanya did go back to rescue him. Tanya tried to keep the 'burial' in secret and Max left the square soon after. However, Max returned to the square and told his brother, Jack (Tanya's boyfriend at that time) the truth. Jack thought Tanya was right burying Max but nobody else knows about any of the burial.

===Awards===
{|class="wikitable"
|-bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
!Year
!Ceremony
!Award(s)
!Reference(s)
|-
|rowspan="4"|2008
|[[Television and Radio Industries Club]] awards
|'Soap of the Year'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=EastEnders wins TV industry gong|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7290198.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=[[11 March]] [[2008]]|accessdate=2008-03-14}}</ref>
|-
|[[Digital Spy Soap Awards]]
|'Best Soap'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Digital Spy Soap Awards 2008: The Winners|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a92054/digital-spy-soap-awards-2008-the-winners.html|publisher=Digital Spy|date=[[21 March]] [[2008]]|accessdate=2008-03-21}}</ref>
|-
|[[All About Soap]] Bubble Awards
|'Best Soap','Best Secret Reveal', 'Best Soap Slap', 'Best Tearjerker'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Lacey and Jo clean up in the Bubble awards|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_20080401.shtml|publisher=BBC|date=[[1 April]] [[2008]]|accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref>
|-
|TV Quick and Choice Awards
|'Best Soap'
|
|-
|[[The British Soap Awards]]
|'Best British Soap'
|
|-
|rowspan="3"|2007
|[[National Television Awards]]
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=EastEnders wins best soap 2007.|url=http://www.itv.com/Entertainment/celebrity/NationalTelevisionAwards/NTAwinners/default.html|publisher=ITV|date=[[31 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-31}}</ref>
|-
|All About Soap Bubble Awards
|'Best Tearjerker', 'Biggest Wedding Shock', 'Best Double Act'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Eastenders is sitting pretty|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news_detail.html?sku=1332|publisher=Daily Star Sunday|date=[[4 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-04}}{{dead link|date=February 2008}}</ref>
|-
|[[Banff World Television Festival]]
|'Best telenovela and drama serial programme'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC bags four Banff awards|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a60814/bbc-bags-four-banff-awards.html|publisher=Digital Spy|date=[[12 June]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-06-12}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="6"|2006
|Rose D'or
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="scoops"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="scoops"/>
|-
|Mental Health Media Awards
|'Soaps and Continual Drama'
|<ref name="mental"/>
|-
|[[Inside Soap]] Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|[[TV Quick]] and TV Choice Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060905.shtml |title= ''EastEnders'' scoops best soap |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070309051831/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060905.shtml |archivedate=2007-03-09|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
|-
|The British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap', 'Best Single Episode'
|<ref name="beatcorrie">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5001856.stm ''EastEnders'' beats ''Corrie'' at awards]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|[[British Academy Television Awards]]
|'Best Continuing Drama'
|<ref name="BAFTA"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|2005
|Smash Hits T4 Pollwinners' Party
|'Best TV Show'
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20051121.shtml |title= EastEnders voted best show |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060709115612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20051121.shtml |archivedate=2006-07-09|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb">"[http://imdb.com/title/tt0088512/awards Awards for ''EastEnders'']", ''IMDb''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="2"|2004
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="custardBSA">"[http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/soapawards.html British Soap Awards]", ''thecustard.tv''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|2003
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="misc">"[http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html Miscellaneous Television Awards]", ''thecustard.tv''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|rowspan="7"|2002
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap', 'Best Single Episode'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|[[Royal Television Society#Awards|Royal Television Society Awards]]
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|[[Television and Radio Industries Club|Television and Radio Industries Club Awards]]
|'TV Soap of the Year'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Awards
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|rowspan="5"|2001
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Royal Television Society Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="misc"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Award
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|rowspan="4"|2000
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="4"|1999
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Soap Awards
|'Best Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Award
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/440217.stm Square win for Eastenders]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-26]]</ref>
|-
|1998
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|1997
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Drama Series'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|1996
|National Television Awards
|'Best Soap Opera'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|1995
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|1986
|Television and Radio Industries Club Awards
|'TV Theme Music of the Year'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|}

==In popular culture==
{{main|EastEnders in popular culture}}
Since its premiere in 1985, ''EastEnders'' has had a large impact on British [[popular culture]]. It has frequently been referred to in many different media, including songs and television programmes.

==Further reading==
[[Image:Who's who EE.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''Who's Who in EastEnders'' by Kate Lock.]]
{{main|EastEnders books}}
Many books have been written about ''EastEnders''. Notably, from 1985 to 1988, author and television writer [[Hugh Miller (writer)|Hugh Miller]] wrote seventeen [[novel]]s, detailing the lives of many of the show's original characters before 1985, when events on screen took place.

Kate Lock also wrote four novels centred around more recent characters; Steve Owen, Grant Mitchell, Bianca Jackson and [[Tiffany Mitchell]]. Lock also wrote a character guide entitled ''Who's Who in EastEnders'' (ISBN 0-563-55178-X) in 2000, examining main characters from the first fifteen years of the show.

Show creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland also wrote a book about the show in 1987, entitled ''EastEnders: The Inside Story'' (ISBN 0-563-20601-2), telling the story of how the show made it to screen. Two special anniversary books have been written about the show; ''EastEnders: The First 10 Years: A Celebration'' (ISBN 0-563-37057-2) by Colin Brake in 1995 and ''EastEnders: 20 Years in Albert Square'' (ISBN 0-563-52165-1) by Rupert Smith in 2005.
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commonscat|Police of New Zealand}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.police.govt.nz/ New Zealand Police website]
* {{bbc.co.uk|eastenders|''EastEnders''}}
* [http://www.policeact.govt.nz Police Act Review Website]
* {{imdb title|id=0088512|title=EastEnders}}
* [http://www.police.govt.nz/service/statistics/ New Zealand Police Statistics information]
* [http://www.walford.net/ walford.net] archive of ''EastEnders'' updates
* [http://www.wgazette.com/ The Walford Gazette]
* [http://popmatters.com/tv/reviews/e/eastenders.shtml PopMatters] ''EastEnders'' review
* [http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/E/htmlE/eastenders/eastenders.htm ''EastEnders''] at the Encyclopedia of Television
* [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/ ''Digital Spy''] Spoilers etc.

{{EastEnders}}

{{start box}}
{{succession box |
| before = ''[[Cracker (UK TV series)|Cracker]]''
| after = ''[[Jonathan Creek]]''
| title = [[British Academy Television Awards]]<br>Best Drama Series
| years = 1997|}}
{{end box}}


{{Oceania topic|Law enforcement in}}
[[Category:EastEnders| ]]
[[Category:Social realism]]
[[Category:BBC television dramas]]
[[Category:BAFTA winners (television series)]]
[[Category:Television shows set in London]]
[[Category:1985 television series debuts]]
[[Category:1980s British television series|EastEnders]]
[[Category:1990s British television series]]
[[Category:2000s British television series]]


[[Category:Government agencies of New Zealand|Police]]
[[cy:EastEnders]]
[[Category:Law enforcement in New Zealand]]
[[de:EastEnders]]
[[Category:1842 establishments]]
[[es:EastEnders]]
[[fr:EastEnders]]
[[hu:EastEnders]]
[[nl:EastEnders]]
[[ja:イーストエンダーズ]]
[[pl:EastEnders]]
[[simple:EastEnders]]
[[fi:EastEnders]]
[[sv:EastEnders]]

Revision as of 19:10, 24 September 2008

New Zealand Police
Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa (Māori)
{{{logocaption}}}
MottoSafer Communities Together
Agency overview
Formed1842
Preceding agencies
  • 1842 - 1886 known as the New Zealand Armed Constabulary or Armed Constabulary Force
  • 1886 - 1958 known as the New Zealand Police Force
Employees10,884 (30 June 2007)
Jurisdictional structure
National agencyNew Zealand
Operations jurisdictionNew Zealand
Governing bodyNew Zealand Government
Constituting instruments
  • Police Act 1886
  • Police Act 1958
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
Sworn members8,113 (30 June 2007)
Unsworn members2,771 (30 June 2007)
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • Howard Broad, Commissioner of Police
Services
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The New Zealand Police ([Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)) is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand.

The current Minister of Police is the Hon. Annette King.

Origins and history

Policing in New Zealand started in 1840 with the arrival of six constables accompanying Lt. Governor Hobson's official landing party to form the colony of New Zealand. Early policing arrangements were along similar lines to other British colonial police forces, in particular the Royal Irish Constabulary and the New South Wales Police Force. Many of its first officers had seen prior service in either Ireland or Australia. The early Force was initially part police and part militia.

At the outset, official establishment of sworn constables holding common law powers to arrest people was achieved by Magistrates being given the power to swear them in via the Magistrates Ordinance of 1842. By 1846 the emerging organisation of a police force was recognised with the passage of the Armed Constabulary Ordinance. New Zealand's early police force continued to grow with the colony, and was further enhanced with additional structure and rules with the passage of the first Police Act, the New Zealand Armed Constabulary Act of 1867. The Armed Constabulary took part in land wars against Māori opposed to colonial expansion at that time.

From the police force's beginnings in 1840 through the next forty years, policing arrangements varied around New Zealand. Whilst the nationally organised Armed Constabulary split its efforts between regular law enforcement functions and militia support to the Maori land wars, some provinces desired local police forces of their own. This led to a separate Provincial Police Force Act being passed by the Parliament. However, provincial policing models lasted only two decades as economic depression in the 1870s saw some provinces stop paying their police as they ran out of money. Eventually, government decided a single nationally organised police would be the best and most efficient policing arrangement.

The New Zealand Police Force was established as a single national force under the Police Force Act of 1886. The change in name was significant, and provincial policing arrangements were dis-established and their staff largely absorbed into the newly created New Zealand Police Force. At the same time, government took the important step to hive off the militia functions of the old Armed Constabulary, and form the genesis of today's New Zealand Defence Force, initially called in 1886 the New Zealand Permanent Militia.

Just a decade later, policing in New Zealand was given a significant overhaul. In 1898 there was a very constructive Royal Commission of Enquiry into New Zealand Police. The Royal Commission, which included the reforming Commissioner Tunbridge who had come from the Metropolitan Police in London, produced a far reaching report which laid the basis for positive reform of New Zealand Police for the next several decades. A complete review of Police's legislation in 1908 built significantly off the Royal Commission's work.

A further Police Force Act in 1947 reflected some changes of a growing New Zealand, and a country coming out of World War II. But the most significant change in the structure and arrangement for Police was to arrive after the departure of Commissioner Compton under a cloud of government and public concern over his management of Police in 1955. The appointment of a caretaker civilian leader of Police, especially titled "Controller General" to recognise his non-operational background, opened the windows on the organisation and allowed a period of positive and constructive development to take place.

In 1958, the word "Force" was removed from the name when legislation was significantly revised.

On July 1, 1992, the Traffic Safety Service of the Ministry of Transport was merged with the Police. Up until that time, the Ministry of Transport and local councils had been responsible for traffic law enforcement. In 2001, the Police re-established a specialist road policing branch known as the Highway Patrol. Today the Police are responsible for enforcing traffic law, while local councils enforce parking regulations. [1]

The Police Act 1958 is being extensively reviewed. As of 2006 there is a consultative process for the drafting of a new Police Bill due to be submitted to Parliament in 2008.[1] This included the world's first use of a wiki to allow the public to contribute wording for the new Policing Act[2]. The wiki was open for less than two weeks, but drew international attention.[2]

Notable policing events

During the 1981 Springbok tour, the Police formed two riot squads known as Red Squad and Blue Squad to control anti-apartheid protesters who laid siege to rugby union fields where the touring team was playing. [3]

In July 1985, the New Zealand Police arrested two French Security Service operatives after the Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk in Auckland harbour. The rapid arrest was attributed to the high level of public support for the investigation.[4]

A member of the New Zealand Police, Sergeant Stewart Graeme Guthrie, was the last civilian recipient of the George Cross, which is awarded for conspicuous gallantry. He fired a warning shot near a gunman at Aramoana on November 13, 1990, but was killed by a return shot from the gunman, who also killed twelve others.[5]

More recently, the New Zealand Police has been involved in international policing and peacekeeping missions to East Timor and the Solomon Islands, to assist these countries with establishing law and order after civil unrest. They have also been involved in Community Police training in Bougainville, in conjunction with Australian Federal Police. Other overseas deployments for regional assistance and relief have been to Afghanistan as part of the reconstruction effort, the Kingdom of Tonga, Thailand for the tsunami disaster and Indonesia after terrorist bombings. New Zealand Police maintains an international policing support network in eight foreign capitals, and has about 80 staff deployed in differing international missions.[6]

At least 17 people were arrested in a series of raids under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act on October 15, 2007. The raids targeted a range of political activists allegedly involved in illegal firearms activity.[7]

Killed on Duty

As of 2008, 28 police officers have been killed by criminal acts while in the performance of their official duties.[8][9]

Arms

New Zealand Police officers do not normally carry firearms while on patrol, but routinely carry pepper spray and batons. Tasers fitted with cameras were introduced following a decision by Commissioner Broad in August 2008 as an additional non-lethal weapon.[10] However, specialist officers such as dog handlers and emergency response police often have a secure container within their police vehicle containing firearms; usually Glock 17 pistols as well as Bushmaster M4A3 XM15 carbines. [11] [12] Weapons may be issued to front line staff in an armed response to a serious incident under the supervision of a senior officer. An armed response by police to an incident will often be considered a newsworthy event by the media.

In 1964, the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was created to provide a specialist armed response unit, similar to SWAT in the United States.

In addition to the AOS, the New Zealand Police maintain a unit known as the Special Tactics Group (STG). The STG, similar to the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, are skilled at dynamic entry and other tactics that can make the difference in preventing a high-risk situation from resulting in the death of a police officer. The STG train with the SAS and are the last line of law enforcement response available before a police Incident Controller calls in support from the Military.

Counter-Terrorism and Military Assistance

The NZ Police are accountable for the operational response to threats to national security, including terrorism. If an incident escalates to a level where their internal resources are unable to adequately deal with the issue (for example, a major arms encounter or a significant terrorist threat), the Police Incident Controller may call on assistance from the New Zealand Defence Force. NZ's Special Forces, the Special Air Service (and specifically, the CTTAG (Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group)) act as the military's special forces counter-terrorism force. The CTTAG are a subset of the Special Air Service, comprising personnel selected from the Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force and New Zealand Army who have passed an abbreviated version of the SAS Selection course. [13] Even if the incident controller calls in the SAS, an armed incident remains the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Police, with the IC having go/no-go control over the regiment's response team. The incident at Aramoana saw the Police request mobilisation of the SAS, but the incident was resolved by the Armed Offenders Squad before they were required.[citation needed]

Organisation

Royal New Zealand Police training college.

Although headed by a Commissioner, the New Zealand Police is a decentralised organisation divided into twelve districts, each with a geographical area of responsibility, several service centres that each provide a range of core nationwide services in their specialty areas, and a Police National Headquarters that provides policy and planning advice as well as national oversight and management of the organisation.

District Commanders hold the rank of Superintendent, as do sworn National Managers and the commandant of the Royal New Zealand Police College. Area Commanders hold the rank of Inspector. Shift Commanders normally hold the rank of Senior Sergeant. Service Centre Managers may be sworn or non-sworn, depending on specialty.

The New Zealand Police is a member of Interpol and has close relationships with the Australian police forces, at both the state and federal level. Several New Zealand Police representatives are posted overseas in key New Zealand diplomatic missions.

The Police also work closely with the Serious Fraud Office.

Staff

Police officers on foot in the Auckland CBD, wearing stabproof vests over normal uniforms.

While sworn officers make up the majority of the workforce, non-sworn staff and volunteers provide a wide range of support services where a sworn officer's statutory powers are not required.

Ranks

Rank insignia is worn on the epaulettes. Officers of Inspector rank and higher are commissioned by the Governor General, but are still promotions from the ranks of non-commissioned officers.

  • Recruit — word "RECRUIT" below police number
  • Constable — police number
  • Senior Constable — one white point-up chevron above police number
  • Sergeant — three white point-up chevrons above police number
  • Senior Sergeant — white crown between two ferns above police number
  • Inspector — three silver stars ("pips")
  • Superintendent — one silver star below a crown
  • Assistant Commissioner — three silver pips in a triangle below a crown
  • Deputy Commissioner — silver crossed sword and baton below one star
  • Commissioner — silver crossed sword and baton below a crown.

A recently graduated Constable is considered a Probationary Constable for up to two years, until he or she has passed ten workplace assessment standards and a compulsory university paper. The completion of the above is known as obtaining permanent appointment.

Detective ranks somewhat parallel the street ranks up to Detective Superintendent. Trainee Detectives spend around 6-12 months time as a Constable on Trial, before progression to Detective Constable after successful completion of an Induction course. There is then a Workplace assessment for Detective Constables, and after approximately 2-3 years in the Criminal Investigation Branch, a Detective Constable may take the qualifying course to become a Detective.

Detective and Detective Constable are considered designations and not specific ranks. That is, Detectives do not outrank uniformed constables.

New Zealand police uniforms formerly followed the British model closely but since the 1970s a number of changes have been implemented. These include the adoption of a medium blue shade in place of dark blue, the abolition of helmets and the substitution of synthetic leather jackets for silver buttoned tunics when on ordinary duty. AOS and STG members, when deployed, wear the usual charcoal-coloured clothing used by armed-response and counter-terror units around the world.

Transportation

Typical general duties police car livery.
Typical highway patrol car livery.

The Holden Commodore is the current generic vehicle of choice for the Police - they have used Ford Falcons in the past however. Liveries are checkered Battenburg markings orange-blue (general duties) or yellow-blue (highway patrol), as well as cars in standard factory colours. As of March 2008 the orange-blue livery has been phased out and all marked patrol vehicles now have the yellow-blue livery. Both Commodore sedan and wagon bodies are used - normally in V6 form and optionally with an LPG tank fitted.

Dog handlers have fully-enclosed utility or station wagon vehicles, which may be liveried or unmarked, with cages in the rear and remotely-operated canopy doors to allow the handler to release their dog if away from the vehicle.

Accountabilities

While the New Zealand Police is technically a government department and has political representation in Government through the Minister of Police, the Commissioner and all sworn members swear allegiance directly to the Sovereign and, by constitutional convention, have constabulary independence from the government of the day.

Crime statistics

In addition to the annual report, the Police also publishes six-monthly statistical summaries of crime for both New Zealand as a whole and each Police District. In early 2005, crime statistics for both Recorded Crime and Recorded Apprehensions for the last 10 years were published by Statistics New Zealand. These statistics provide offence statistics down to individual sections of legislation and appear to be the most detailed national crime statistics available today.

Recent controversies

The New Zealand Police is considered one of the least corrupt police forces in the world.[14] Despite this, there have been a number of recent controversies that have put the Police under close scrutiny. While the Police Complaints Authority is an independent body that investigates complaints against the New Zealand Police, the following events have either fallen outside the authority's ambit or received significant publicity.

Historic sexual misconduct

In 2004, a number of historic sexual misconduct allegations dating from the 1980s were made against both serving and former police officers. Several senior officers were stood down. A commission of enquiry was convened but has made little progress to date due to formal charges being laid in several cases. In May 2005, the commission of enquiry was restructured to investigate only those cases where charges had not been laid.

In March 2006 assistant police commissioner Clinton Rickards and former police officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum were charged with raping and sexually abusing Louise Nicholas in Rotorua during the 1980s. Rickards attended the High Court for the first day's hearing on March 13, 2006 wearing police uniform, contravening police regulations forbidding an officer from wearing uniform while on suspension. He had been suspended on full pay for two years from the time the charges were laid. The defendants claimed all sex was consensual and all were found not guilty on March 31, 2006[15][16]. Subsequently, pamphlets and emails about two of the defendants were spread widely in defiance of previous court suppression orders. [17]

In February 2007 the same three men faced historic charges of kidnapping and indecent assault for the pack rape of a 16-year-old woman with a whisky bottle that took place in the early 1980s.

While the three men were acquitted in both cases, suppression orders that had been in operation for three court cases involving the men were then lifted. Information that had been kept from both juries (but was widely distributed following the 2006 not guilty verdicts) was then allowed to be publicly released: Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum were convicted in 2005 of another historic pack rape with an object and are currently serving lengthy prison sentences for this crime.[18]

The police future of Clint Rickards, the former Assistant Police Commissioner who has been suspended from this position on full pay since early 2004, remained undecided, although police sources have indicated that it is considered unlikely that he will be reappointed to this position following the controversy over these cases and the acquittals which have no doubt tarnished the reputation of police in New Zealand.[19]

Communications centres

In 2004 and 2005, the police were criticised over several incidents in which callers to the Police Communications Centres, particularly those using the 111 emergency telephone number, are alleged to have received inadequate responses.

In October 2004, under sustained political scrutiny for these apparent systemic problems in the Communications Centres, and after the Iraena Asher incident received a lot of publicity and a whistle-blowing employee resigned, the Commissioner of Police ordered an Independent Review into the Communications Centres. On May 11, 2005, the Review Panel released a report into the service that the Commissioner described as provocative, and others called "damning" [20]. It criticised the service for systemic failures and inadequate management, and expressed ongoing concerns for public safety. Police acted on the recommendations of the review with a number of initiatives, including increasing communications centre staff numbers [21] and then initiating a demonstration project for a future "Single Non-Emergency Number" (SNEN) [22][23][24] centre, to reduce the load on the 111 service.

Pornographic e-mails

In November 2004, police IT staff secretly cloned the police e-mail system and subjected it to forensic analysis. Over 300 employees were found to have what were considered "inappropriate" e-mail images, many sexually explicit. Many were subjected to internal disciplinary procedures and counselling. No criminal charges were laid however 351 staff members were required to attend Insight Training seminars between May 2005 and June 2006. [25].

The Police Commissioner was politically criticised for being too soft with his staff, despite initiating the investigation and pro actively making the findings of the investigation public before employees were even confronted and questioned about the e-mails concerned. This investigation is said to have prompted further investigations amongst other government agencies. [citation needed]

Police culture

After a sergeant was found guilty in February 2005 of assault and prisoner abuse in a South Auckland police station, there were claims that the practices were endemic in the police, and strange dark humour photographs surfaced. An investigation into "Police Culture" reported on October 10, 2005 that while the defunct Emergency Response Group at Counties-Manukau used excessive force and took inappropriate and degrading photographs of people in custody, there was no nationwide problem with police culture [26].

Cooked statistics

Following reductions in recorded crime in 2004 combined with increases in resolved offences, suggestions were made by both politicians, and some police officers, that statistics were being "cooked" or unethically reported and resolved by the Police, especially with the use of "custody clearances" for already convicted offenders [27][28]. The Police and the Police Minister have refuted these allegations [29], stating that the clearances concerned make up only 0.9% of all cleared crime and have been used consistently for many years.

Taser trial

The New Zealand Police taser trial commenced on Friday September 1, 2006 for a twelve month period[30]. Some opposition to the trial has been expressed by various people, including Māori Party police spokesperson Hone Harawira, Green party police spokesperson, Keith Locke [31], and several high profile individuals including Barrister, Marie Dyhrberg and Sir Paul Reeves who have formed a lobby group hosting a blog website [32] opposing their use[33]. The first person to be tasered was an 18 year old after an incident in the Auckland suburb of Western Springs on September 8, 2006[34].

Since the completion of the trial it has been revealed that even if the taser is approved it is unlikely that every frontline officer would be equipped with a taser.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Summary of review findings of de-merging traffic enforcement from Police". State Services Commission. 26 April 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "NZ police let public write laws". BBC News. 26 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Utting, Peter (October 2004). "Lessons from the Movements of Australia and New Zealand". Conference on International Anti-Apartheid Movements in South Africa's Freedom Struggle: Lessons for Today.
  4. ^ "Rainbow Warrior bombing, 1985". New Zealand Police.
  5. ^ "No. 52837". The London Gazette (invalid |supp= (help)). 17 February 1992. {{cite magazine}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "FAQ about New Zealand Police overseas, International Service Group". New Zealand Police.
  7. ^ "Exclusive: Hunters alerted police to alleged terror camps". New Zealand Herald. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-15. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Memorial - New Zealand Police
  9. ^ "Two questioned after policeman chased, shot dead". The New Zealand Herald. 11 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Gower, Patrick (August 28, 2008). "Broad confirms Taser introduction". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2008-08-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Senior police carrying up to six firearms
  12. ^ Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2005 - New Zealand Police
  13. ^ Debunking rumours about new anti-terrorism unit - 12 Aug 2006 - Defence News - NZ Herald
  14. ^ "Living in New Zealand - A guide for migrants - The New Zealand Police". Immigration New Zealand.
  15. ^ Rickards rape trial accuser to take stand, New Zealand Herald, March 14, 2006
  16. ^ Jury clears men in police rape trial, New Zealand Herald, March 31, 2006
  17. ^ Nicholas suppression-order violators encourage others to join in
  18. ^ Police sex trial: What the jury never knew
  19. ^ Rickards - I will return to police work
  20. ^ Communications Centres Service Centre Independent External Review Final Report - New Zealand Police
  21. ^ Ten-One: Comms Centres boost staff numbers - New Zealand Police
  22. ^ Ten-One: Countdown to SNEN lift-off
  23. ^ Ten-One: SNEN – What is it and why are we doing it?
  24. ^ Ten-One: SNEN Centre Manager appointed
  25. ^ Anti-porn talks cost police $163,000 - 14 Aug 2006 - NZ Police
  26. ^ New cases of police abuse in spotlight - 12 Oct 2005 - Police Culture - Feature
  27. ^ http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3287440a11,00.html
  28. ^ http://www.intl-news.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2215
  29. ^ http://uncorrectedtranscripts.clerk.govt.nz/Documents/20050301.htm#_Toc97460297
  30. ^ Tasers on the streets from this Friday, Derek Cheng, New Zealand Herald, 30 August 2006
  31. ^ Police too eager to use taser, Keith Locke, Green Party website September 10, 2006
  32. ^ http://www.campaignagainstthetaser.com Campaign Against The Taser.com (CATT)
  33. ^ Opponents fear abuse of stun gun, Derek Cheng, New Zealand Herald, 7 June, 2006
  34. ^ First Use Of Taser By Police, Xtra MSN, September 9, 2006
  35. ^ "Taser trial". New Zealand Police.

External links