If you call the police, it's most likely beat and patrol staff who will be the first to respond.

Whether it's walking the beat in busy downtown streets, patrolling the suburbs or answering calls for help in smaller towns or larger cities - they are the visible face of policing in New Zealand.

Their role is perhaps the most diverse in New Zealand Police. It is divided between proactive policing, where officers patrol or take other measures to detect and prevent crime, and responding to calls for service.

In any given shift, section constables might help prevent street disorder, deal with a lost child, investigate reports of a stolen motor vehicle, and attend a family violence incident or a serious road crash.

They can also be called on to police major sporting or other public events, and respond to a myriad of other incidents and calls for help.

Preparing arrest files for any of the thousands of offences that are in the New Zealand statute books is also part of their role.

Officers must have sound judgement and good people skills, as they are often involved in difficult, confrontational or dangerous situations.

New Zealand Police employs nearly 3,500 beat and patrol staff in addition to 3500 other sworn officers. They are rostered to provide a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week service.

Their role is perhaps best spelt out in the oath of office sworn by every police officer - "... to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law".