DISTORTED MUSIC These are NZ's most explosive streets. (SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY) (SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY) WOMAN: Crikey dickens. > For the more than 1500 female police officers, every day brings them face to face with danger. And I stabbed him in the head. You just really never know quite what's going to happen. ALL LAUGH ALL LAUGH Hey! Come on. Come on. I asked you to` Come on. I asked you to` And I moved. I moved. This is my job. We get assaulted, and we get punched in the face. So be it. <BLEEP> you! (BARKS) These streets are tough,... Just walk away. ...so they need to be tougher. Hey! Police! Tonight on Women In Blue ` So you're under arrest for stabbing him in the head. Let's go. Let's go. Come on, please just` Let's go. Come on, please just` Let's go now. Let's go. Wassup? Wassup, eh? Look at the pole. Let's go. Come on. Look at the pole. Let's go. Come on. It's only a pole. It's a power line pole. This is really dangerous, eh. What are they up to over there? He needs to go home, eh. I know I'm loose, but I'm a loose <BLEEP> that goes home. Copyright Able 2014 FLAMENCO GUITAR MUSIC I do lots of things outside of work to relax and that. Dancing would be my number one thing. When people ask what I do, I just tell them I'm a police officer. They want to know, 'Have you shot anyone?' BANG! 'Have you tasered anyone?' SIREN WAILS That's all right. I don't mind talking about what I do, cos I'm proud of what I do. You could say I led a sheltered life when I was growing up. WOMAN: I don't wanna open the door. WOMAN: I don't wanna open the door. Has she barricaded herself against it? <BLEEP>! I didn't know some of the stuff that's been happening did happen when I was growing up. No, don't be disgusting. No, get back. Kelly, just leave it! Kelly, just leave it! What are you doing? My job at the moment is front line. When I go to work, I know that I'm going out there to protect the people in Lower Hutt. You guys need to move on, or everyone's going to get arrested. Burglaries, robberies, domestics, assaults. SIREN WAILS Jacqui's been called to a domestic between a woman and her partner. So the majority of the violence that I see is between people that know each other. Generally people that live together. They're in a relationship. They supposedly love each other. Someone's rung up to say someone's been stabbed. It's very limited information. Everything's coming second hand. So we'll wait and see. There's a whole lot of other units going as well. So I think the plan is to meet up with all of them before we head in. You carry a taser every shift. We've got one in the car. LHS4 LHI5. The word out on the street is that it hurts like hell. And so I've never had any issues once I've presented the taser. That's it. TENSE MUSIC If we get a job where weapons have been used, then, yeah, we're going to be more cautious. But in saying that, you should treat all jobs as serious, because you might not be getting all of the information. You don't know what's happened in that time from when the call's been made to when we arrive. SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC WOMAN SOBS There's a man sitting in the corner with blood pouring from his face. Jacqui talks to the woman, who's also been injured. Go on out and have a chat on the street, mate. He was a bit` Oh, he didn't really want us there. She was real emotional, so I brought her outside. What's happened? We were just having a talk about our trust issues. And it sort of got a bit out of hand. And so I just picked up the knife and I stabbed him. It is quite amazing how violent people can be towards each other. You try to deal with it the same way that you would for any other job. The woman's face is in a bit of a mess. Jacqui is getting to the bottom of why she struck out at her partner. Cos my last relationship was a violent relationship. And I left... Yep. Yep. ...to get my kids out of it. Yep. Yep. Um,... and I didn't want the same thing happening again. Yeah. (SNIFFLES) And I told him that` Yeah, this is the first time he's hit me. The first time he's hit you? The first time he's hit you? Yeah. Yeah. It's the first time. So explain to me what happened when he hit you ` how that all happened. So explain to me what happened when he hit you ` how that all happened. He started yelling at me. He pinned me on the bed, um, and said, 'Do you want me to <BLEEP>ing smash you?' And I said, 'No.' (SOBS) Yeah. Yeah. And then he` he just held me. Yep. Yep. He just wouldn't let me go. He was restraining me. Yep. Yep. And, you know, to me, when someone's doing that, I can't breathe. And I stabbed him in the head. And I stabbed him in the head. Whereabouts` Whereabouts in the head did you stab him? Just here? I don't know where. I just know the bleeding's over here. I don't know where. I just know the bleeding's over here. Just here. OK. Just once. I only did it once. Just wanted him to let me go, cos he wouldn't listen. (SNIFFLES) All right. I try not to let any one particular job impact on me. But I'm not saying that I'm bulletproof. You just have to deal with it in a professional manner and try not to let things eat away at you or get to you. Whatever the motive, and whoever's in the wrong, Jacqui's got to do things by the book. I'm gonna have to get you to come back to the station with us, all right? Do you understand that? Yep. Yep. So you're under arrest for stabbing him in the head, OK. Do you want to get checked out by ambulance? Or maybe we can get you checked out by a doctor back at the station. Just for your eye. back at the station. Just for your eye. (SNIFFLES) Nah, it's all right. I'm all right. (SOBS) He's gonna get checked out by ambo. He'll be fine. He's being looked after. OK. (SOBS) The boyfriend's stab wound isn't as bad as it first looked, so while he's being patched up, she's taken back to the station. Jump in there. Put your belt on. Now we're just gonna get to the bottom of what's happened. Yeah, it's a bit split as well. 'She said he's pinned her down so much she couldn't breathe, 'so she picked up a knife. It was the first thing she grabbed.' We'll go back to the station and we'll have a chat and go from there, OK? TENSE MUSIC It's not like I go to a stabbing every day, but domestic violence is common ` on both males and females. I don't think I've become much of a different person. I'm still the same person I was. I think my eyes have just opened a bit more to what's out there. You go in there; you try and help the best you can. And you try not to think, 'Why are they so violent?' You just deal with it and move on. INQUISITIVE MUSIC From the age of 10, it's always been my dream to be a police woman. I was born and raised in a little island on the Cook Islands, yeah. There's only about 300 people. And moving to NZ, that was an eye opener for me. FUNKY MUSIC Areas are over where you guys are on the town centre. I chose to work in Mangere because I want to better my own community. The suburb of Mangere in South Auckland is one of the city's largest. In this multicultural hothouse, poverty and youth crime are big problems. I would say a lot of the time we are dealing with... youth gangs, you know. We deal a lot with a local gang called the WCBs. I can smell` smell the weed coming from your car. I got nothing to hide. They commit minor offences and drinking and intimidating people. Get out! <BLEEP> you! It was just a matter of time that we were going to be dealing with a homicide. SIREN WAILS Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Got everybody here now. 'Being born and brought up in a Pacific culture, it's easier for me to relate.' I've been there. I know what it's like. I know the background and history. You're not wagging? 'Try and work with them while they're young before it gets out of hand.' Before they're becoming a member of Black Power. As far as policing challenges go, it doesn't get any harder. But Anne and the police are finding new ways to deal with the gangs. We noticed that locking up these boys was not working, because they would come out of prison and continue to commit these offences. SIREN WAILS Anne's called to a car accident. She expects to see some familiar faces she's dealt with before. YELLING, CHATTER She arrives at a chaotic scene. What's going on? What's going on? What's going on? What's going on? (YELLS) <BLEEP>. <BLEEP>. And who was driving? Who was driving? And who was driving? Who was driving? Me. We're arrived at the scene and things are a bit chaotic. I'm all right, just don't <BLEEP>. People are a bit on edge and things are getting a bit emotional. Wassup? Wassup, eh? (YELLS) Can I ask you just to calm down for a bit until we go away and sort it out and then I'll come talk to you? Are you one of the witnesses? Are you one of the witnesses? Yeah. Are you one of the witnesses? Yeah. That saw` OK. As they hit the corner there, you could see the car started to slide. And it slid all the way into the pole, like... with such force. And we just thought, 'Oh my goodness.' And then the sparks started to fly and... It's been a lucky escape, but where are the passengers now and who was driving? My mum had` she left the car with us. But we weren't meant to drive around. Good. Were you in the car or were you just`? I was down the road. Cos they took off, I didn't even know till I had a look outside, the car was gone. So who was the driver of the car? I was the driver, but` I was the driver, but` Who was the driver of that car? I was the driver, but` Who was the driver of that car? My little sister. So she was driving that car? So she was driving that car? She was driving the car. So she was driving that car? She was driving the car. And where's your sister now? She went in the ambulance. (SOBS) She was the driver. Anne isn't convinced the injured sister was the driver. So it was just driven from a party or`? Yeah, we were drinking from a party. Yeah, we were drinking from a party. Where's the party at? Yeah, we were drinking from a party. Where's the party at? Um, it was some` Mangere somewhere. I can't remember where, but we were drinking. And the driver was drinking as well? And the driver was drinking as well? Yeah. The girl tells Anne there were others in the car ` WCB gang members. Were you in the car as well? Yeah, I was in the back. Yeah, I was in the back. OK, who else was with you in the car? Who else? That girl. > That girl. > Which girl? Why are you coming after my sister, eh? I said two of our boys were involved. They could have warrants out for their arrest or court-imposed restrictions. Anne makes some checks. Often these WCB members have bail conditions such as not to associate with the other WCB members, not to consume alcohol, not to commit an offence. And so we are really strict and a zero tolerance with these. Partying and being in a crashed car won't impress the police. But at least the truth is starting to surface. You were in the car? Yep. Yep. So, <BLEEP> was driving. The female was in the back. The sister is saying she was driving, or she saw her last driving the car leaving the party. It looks like Anne was lied to to cover up for a gang member. One of the drunk girls in the car is going out with the driver of the car. Anne's patience is wearing thin. Let's go. Let's go. It's all right if it's dangerous. Come on. Come on. You don't want me to remember you, eh. Come on. Let's go. Let's go. Now. Let's go now. I don't have to take you, eh. Let's go. go. Come on. Let's go now. Let's go. <BLEEP>. <BLEEP>. Let's go. Go. 'Drunk women are the worst people to deal with.' Let's go. On the side. 'They're feisty. They just want to fight you.' Side of the road. Side of the road. If it's unsafe why can't they take me gear out? It is unsafe. Look at the pole. Let's go. Come on. It's only a pole. Why can't`? It's only a pole. Why can't`? It's a power line pole. It's only a pole. Why can't`? It's a power line pole. I don't really care. You just need to calm down, all right? You just need to calm down, all right? I am calmed down. Calm down. Calm down. I just wanted to get my stuff out. Calm down. I just wanted to get my stuff out. Yeah, not now, though. Not now. I'm not even touching you and you pushed me first! OK. OK. Tell him not to touch me! Chill. Chill. Hey, listen. Chilling time's over, Bob. Chilling time's over, Bob. We've asked you so many times` And I moved. I moved. And I moved. I moved. No, you haven't. Come on. I got her. Just relax, woman. Yeah, I'm relaxing. Yeah, I'm relaxing. We warned you so many times, all right? Cuffed and calmer, she finally spills the beans. The girl that was in the car. The girl that was in the car. Yep. The girl that was in the car. Yep. She said that <BLEEP> was driving. She confirms the WCB member was behind the wheel. It's gutting for Anne... (SIGHS) ...to see them breaking the law again. Big frustration of doing my job is you put all that hard work in, and then you think they're doing well, and then they fall back into their old self again. (INHALES DEEPLY) While the youths are taken back to the station, Anne decides to do some digging at the party house. Went to the house and located another of our WCB members. We'll take him. He's on bail and isn't allowed to drink alcohol. I can smell alcohol on you. I can smell alcohol on you. Yep. Just breathe. Blow through this machine until I say 'stop'. Blow, blow, blow, blow, stop. Cool. Just wait for your result. TENSE MUSIC BEEP! BEEP! So it's a fail. All right? And because you've failed, you're under arrest for breaching your bail conditions not to consume alcohol. Taking him to the Manukau Police Station to be processed. FUNKY MUSIC 'You gotta keep working on these boys, you know. Not giving up on them.' Failure for me wasn't an option. TENSE MUSIC There's a lot of blood. My name is Caroline Martin. I'm a detective. My role is to solve serious crime. We could have a homicide today, could have a robbery today, sexual violation. You just never know what's gonna happen. Tonight it's Caroline's turn to head out on the front line. When we're not dealing with serious crime, we'll patrol high-risk areas so that we can attempt to prevent and reduce crime from occurring. # Yeah! Petone on a Saturday night is a charged-up place to be. There's people everywhere getting out of it. Hutt Valley does have a reputation of being a very busy area to police. What are they up to? This birthday boy has lost more than just another year. Hey, Grant, we have to go over there. FUNKY MUSIC Hey, you guys, he needs to go home, eh. 21st! He needs to go home, eh, or he'll be coming with us. He needs to go home, eh, or he'll be coming with us. < <BLEEP>. In cases where people are intoxicated and their friends and family are trying to control them, sometimes it's best just to stand back and see whether they can deal with the situation. Other times she has to step in. Hey, is that the guy there that assaulted you? Hey, is that the guy there that assaulted you? Yes. But I think he did hit me. I think. Well, that's because it's kind of... Do you wanna lay a complaint? OK. The small hours of the morning are when people ` especially drunk women ` are at most risk. When I see females intoxicated, it highlights to me how vulnerable they are. How are you? How are you? Oh, all right. Yeah? What's happening tonight? Uh... Not really` You look like you've had a few too many. You look like you've had a few too many. I am more... (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) Do you need a ride home? I know I'm loose, but I'm a loose <BLEEP> that goes home. Where is home? I think you need to go home, eh. Where is home? I think you need to go home, eh. I'll get there eventually. But at the end of the day, I'm 26, so I'm gonna be a critter until I'm` You're pretty drunk. I don't know if they'll let you in here. I don't want to go in. I'm not` That's the thing, I'm not actually asking to go in. I'm actually asking to` This sounds really lame. Please... 'I think some people would be horrified to see what the effects of alcohol have had on them.' Blah, blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah, blah. Hey, I've gotta do my job here. Do you know what my blah, blah does...? While Caroline tries to convince her to take a safe taxi home,... # Party till we drop, till we... ...up in Auckland, it's total mayhem. YELLING, CHATTER <BLEEP>. I'm gonna kick his arse. Get him out of the city. Get him out of the city. # Till we, till we... # Constable Bridget Suckling is taking a hard line. I saw you drinking it. Don't argue with me. I tell my son that girls are the boss. I'm quite competitive. I love going on missions. Everything was about missions, and still to this day is about missions. And it probably comes from growing up in the country, where you want something you make it. When this married mother of one isn't scouring remote bush as a search and rescue specialist, she's hitting up the bars as an Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer. The streets themselves sometimes become these just, like, drunk festival. You know? There's just people everywhere drunk, hitting signs, you know, bashing things, picking up pot plants. All the stuff you wouldn't do normally. I don't wanna see mates smack each other and ruin a friendship. I don't wanna see a girl get sexually assaulted. And alcohol is often the cause of that. You're not looking that sober. You're probably not going to get in here, because you're too drunk. Did you come with her? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, she's too intoxicated, mate, to get into a licensed premises. And she's probably gonna be a bit of a victim. Can you take her home? Yep. DANCE MUSIC You hear about sexual assault, and then you think, 'I've gotta be able to do something here.' Bridget takes her role in rape prevention seriously. Hey, are you the duty manager? Hey, are you the duty manager? Yeah. A big part of that is making sure bar owners take some responsibility. You've gotta cycle that crowd. And the thing is with 18-year-olds is they leave their mates. So if someone's drunk, they want to stay in the gig, and they'll leave their mate on the street, and then that mate becomes a victim. There might be a girl inside a premise and she may have taken some drugs or drunk too much alcohol. You want the door staff to be upskilled to say, 'Actually, did you come with him tonight?' You know, 'Are you OK? Do you know him? 'I'm gonna step in here. I'm gonna find out where her mates are. I'm gonna find her a safe taxi.' Just by doing that one training, you might save 10 girls. ROCK MUSIC Prevention is a good thing, because if you can prevent it, you're gonna have less victims. MUSIC CONTINUES At this point, it's all about trying to get people to move along and go home to bed. DANCE MUSIC PLAYS Yeah. You right, Jared? Yeah. Yeah. He's a good boy. Yeah. He's a good boy. He needs to go home. He nearly lit his cigarette the wrong way. (CHUCKLES) That's why he's got good friends to look after him. That's why he's got good friends to look after him. You are looking after him? Oh, always. Oh, always. Good. You're not gonna let him back in, eh? He's too intoxicated. Yeah. SIREN WAILS Next week on Women In Blue ` (YELLS) What's happened? Tell us` Calm down, or you'll end up being locked up. Why? <BLEEP>. Getting tramped on like this. Look. <BLEEP>. Because you're swearing, effing and blinding. You need to just calm` Because you're swearing, effing and blinding. You need to just calm` Cos I'm explaining it, you <BLEEP>. (WHOOPS) I don't think that's lime juice. Oh dear. Copyright Able 2014