Memories of a Community Cop

As a boy, Quin Turton's stutter made his life difficult. He avoided situations that required speech, by playing sport especially rugby league, whenever possible. He grew up in Huntly where local men and boys were passionate about the game. His participation made him very fit and gave him valuable experience of good teamwork. Quin left school as soon as he could and found work as an apprentice builder. His carpentry skills held him in good stead but he didn't earn enough to achieve his dream of building his own house, so Quin took on a higher paid factory job that he hated. Quin's wife encouraged him to become a policeman. This book tells about Quin's time at Police College, his first city posting in Auckland where he had to face some terrifying scenes and his move to the coastal area of Tauranga. At first, station politics caused him problems and his wife and their children were cramped in a little cottage. Fortunately, the situation improved when they moved to the suburbs and met up with Quin's long-time friend, Sergeant George Long. When George made a move to rural Kawakawa up North, Quin was able to follow. At first, Quin found the area dismal and depressing but he and his family soon settled in and came to love the district and its people. There was usually a group of three policemen at the Kawakawa station. They were responsible for keeping law and order in the large Northland farming and coastal area - not a nine to five job! Quin became involved in local activities and met both lawbreakers and some of the area's characters. He fostered a love of sport in young people and encouraged them to participate in a range of sporting opportunities. However, Northlanders soon found out that Quin wasn't always a calm or virtuous cop. The people living in the area came to appreciate him. Some were scared of him, and a few disliked him. Why? Fortunately most admired him for always being fair and hard working. Readers will find answers, learn how Quin's wife and family coped with rural life and how Quin managed to enjoy a long career with the New Zealand police force and live in Kawakawa for the rest of his life.