[/floatr]Stuff: Japanese applicant faces police challenge
Yuichi Yamamoto wouldn't take no for an answer in his bid to become Auckland's first Japanese police officer. The 36-year-old failed an English test last year but was told he had a chance if he worked on his language skills and fitness. "From that time I started training, doing press-ups." Yuichi moved to New Zealand seven years ago and became interested in a police career because he loves helping people. He is part of the Pre-College Employment Programme, a recruitment trial focusing on minority groups. The scheme sees him help out at the Onehunga station, working on the public counter. He takes complaints, does some administration work and has spent two weeks at the police training college in Porirua. "The main purpose was to have a look at the college. I also did some extra driver training for driving police vehicles." If he passes the course, Yuichi will spend 19 weeks at the police college next year before graduating as an officer. Community constable Casey Broad has taken Yuichi out on exercises and is impressed with his abilities. "He's been really good, very professional and competent."
