photograph of Constable James Richardson

Constable James Thomas Richardson

Died
3rd February 1963
Lower Hutt
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In Lower Hutt, when answering a call to attend a domestic dispute, Constable Richardson was shot along with Constable Schultz, while still in their vehicle outside the address of the gunman. They both died instantly.

The gunman was convicted of the two murders and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent 11 years in prison and was paroled in 1974.

photograph of Constable James Dorgan

Constable James Dorgan

Died
27th August 1921
Timaru
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In Timaru, while investigating a shop burglary, Constable Dorgan was shot at four times. He died at the scene fifteen minutes later.

Although there were some suspects for the shooting, there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone.

photograph of Constable Glenn McKibbin

Constable Glenn Arthur McKibbin

Died
21st April 1996
Flaxmere, Hastings
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Constable Glenn McKibbin was shot by an occupant of a passing vehicle while standing beside his patrol car in Flaxmere. After an extensive search the suspect was found in a Havelock North orchard. The gunman, a former soldier, was shot in a standoff with police.

photograph of Sergeant Gilbert Arcus

Sergeant Gilbert Peter Arcus

Died
4th February 1970
Tauranga
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In Tauranga, while he was trying to placate a mentally disturbed woman, Sergeant Arcus was assaulted and pushed to the floor, striking his head. He suffered a fracture to the base of the skull and died an hour later.

The woman was charged with manslaughter, but was declared insane.

photograph of Constable Frederick Jordan

Constable Frederick William Jordan

Died
8th October 1941
Koiterangi, near Hokitika
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On 8 October 1941 in Koiterangi (now Kowhitirangi) near Hokitika on the West Coast, Constable Jordan, Sergeant Cooper and Constables Best and Tulloch were shot while trying to apprehend a gunman. Best died three days later, the others died instantly.

The gunman, a West Coast farmer, shot the police officers and three civilians after refusing to hand over his firearms.

This was the largest manhunt in New Zealand and after 12 days seven people had died, including the gunman. An eighth victim died eighteen months later from gunshot wounds received at the shooting.

photograph of Constable Edward Mark Best

Constable Edward Mark Best

Died
11th October 1941
Koiterangi, near Hokitika
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On 8 October 1941 in Koiterangi (now Kowhitirangi) near Hokitika on the West Coast, Constable Best, Sergeant Cooper and Constables Jordan and Tulloch were shot while trying to apprehend a gunman. Best died three days later, the others died instantly.

The gunman, a West Coast farmer, shot the police officers and three civilians after refusing to hand over his firearms.

This was the largest manhunt in New Zealand and after 12 days seven people had died, including the gunman. An eighth victim died eighteen months later from gunshot wounds received at the shooting.

photograph of Detective Constable Duncan Taylor

Detective Constable Duncan Taylor NZBM

Died
5th July 2002
Rongotea, Manawatu
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Detective Constable Taylor, 39, was shot and killed when he and his partner attempted to stop a juvenile to question him about a property offence. The constables saw the youth driving a car at Rongotea and attempted to stop him. The boy drove to a nearby home and stopped. As Detective Constable Taylor got out of his vehicle the boy opened fire, fatally wounding him. His partner then attempted to flee on foot but was struck in the thigh as she ran for cover.

The boy then ran into the home and held three people hostage for several hours. After the hostages escaped tear gas was fired into the home, causing the boy to come out and fire more shots. When the boy came out of the home a second time he was taken into custody. He was charged with murder, attempted murder and other charges.

photograph of Constable Donald Stokes

Constable Donald Richard Stokes

Died
15th August 1966
Dunedin
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On 14 August 1966, while trying to prevent the escape of two prisoners, Constable Stokes was assaulted and beaten to death in the Dunedin Police cells.

One offender admitted to the murder and the other was found guilty of murder. They were both sentenced to life imprisonment.

photograph of Traffic Officer Barry Gibson

Traffic Officer Barry Yorston Gibson

Died
13th June 1977
New Plymouth
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On 6 June 1977 (Queen's Birthday Weekend), in New Plymouth, Barry Gibson stopped a car. For no apparent reason, the driver assaulted Traffic Officer Gibson, breaking his jaw in two places and severely concussing him.

Gibson never regained consciousness and died of head injuries a week later.

The offender was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years imprisonment.