In the late 1800s there was an old tradition of the Police Pay Parade that involved police marching up to the magistrate every month to receive their pay packet in a brown envelope.
The men in dress uniform had to pass inspection. Their attire was inspected and the scruffy ones were sent back.
Area Commander Manukau Counties East Police, inspector Wendy Spiller says that the old policing tradition of the Pay Parade has now become an annual celebration that recognises a number of high achievements.
“We have an award ceremony every year celebrating not only police officers/detectives but also people in the community for acts of bravery,” she says.
Now for the first time in six years, the Pay Parade is being held in Howick.
The parade will start at Wellington Street with a large contingent of police marching through Fencible Drive and continue on to Moore and Picton Streets before heading back to Howick RSA, Wellington Street where the awards ceremony will be held.
“There will be police dogs, horses and motorbikes in the parade and we hope that people from the community will be there to support us.”
Inspector Spiller is scheduled to lead the district award ceremony while inspector Dave Simpson will be the operations-in-command, co-ordinating the march.
Medals and citations will be presented by Commissioner of Police Mike Bush to police personnel for long service, exceptional conduct and bravery—throughout the district.
The ceremony will also be attended by Mayor Phil Goff.
- The parade is on Friday, March 24 at 9.30am.
