Sophia Sous
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Community safety looks different in the Auckland CBD than it does in rural New Zealand. Sophia Sous saw both. Her 150 hours of workplace experience with Community Patrols of New Zealand combined city patrols with rural policing research and a national webinar.
My workplace experience
Placement organisation:
Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ)
Role:
Intern
Length of placement:
150 hours
What I worked on
I completed my workplace experience with Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ), a nationwide organisation that works alongside New Zealand Police to support community safety and crime prevention.
My placement involved a diverse range of experiences. I took part in community patrol operations throughout the Auckland CBD, where I worked alongside experienced patrollers to observe, report and support community safety initiatives. I also completed research on rural policing and rural community safety in New Zealand, analysing crime trends and exploring challenges faced by rural communities. One of my most rewarding experiences was contributing to the development of a national webinar focused on rural policing and community safety, which highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches and community partnership in crime prevention. I also participated in the CPNZ Pathway to Police programme, which helped prepared me for my future career goals.
Skills I used (and grew)
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Cultural competence
- Research
- Teamwork
How AUT prepared me
AUT prepared me for this placement through courses like Police and Crime Prevention, Understanding Crime, Crime and Deviance and Understanding Restorative Justice. These courses helped me understand the work I was doing with CPNZ, from community patrols to researching rural safety within New Zealand. They also helped me see the importance of working alongside communities, which connected well with my involvement at the K Road community café supporting people experiencing homelessness. This placement gave me the chance to apply what I learned in class to real-life situations.
What I learned
I learned that effective community safety relies on strong partnerships between Police, community organisations, volunteers and local communities. The experience also taught me that crime prevention is not only about enforcement but also about building relationships, engaging communities and taking proactive approaches to public safety.
My tip for other students
Take every opportunity that comes your way and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best learning experiences happen when you say yes to something new. Even if you’re nervous, give it a go, ask questions and stay open to learning. I always remind myself “hope for the best and prepare for the worst”. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of achieving when you take your first step.