17 Facts About Howard Broad

Howard George Broad was born on 1957 and is a New Zealand public servant who served as the thirtieth Commissioner of Police, from 2006 to 2011.

Howard Broad is a former career police officer, working in uniform and as a detective for eighteen years, before moving into senior roles at the Police National Headquarters in Wellington.

Howard Broad joined the police as a cadet in 1975, and was a beat officer for two years before entering the CIB.

Howard Broad has certificates in Police Management from New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Howard Broad was District Commander of Auckland City Police District from 1998 to 2003.

Howard Broad managed large security operations in Auckland, including the 11th APEC meeting, and Operation Marlin II for the 2003 America's Cup in Auckland.

Howard Broad received a six-month secondment to the Home Office Police Standards Unit in London from September 2003 to March 2004, where he studied British policing procedures and technology, including a vehicle registration plate identification system.

Howard Broad stated one of his goals as commissioner would be restoring public confidence in the police, and that youth gangs were an "area of opportunity" to prevent future crime.

Howard Broad launched the Police Electronic Crime Laboratory in Wellington on 24 September 2007, with a cellphone text message.

Howard Broad paid tribute to Sergeants Derek Wootton and Don Wilkinson, officers killed separately in the line of duty in 2008.

Howard Broad announced he would be reviewing the Arms Act, as the air rifle suspected of causing Wilkinson's death could be purchased over the counter without a licence.

Howard Broad publicly committed to implementing 48 recommendations relating to the police, and assisting with the 12 relating to the Police Complaints Authority.

The New Zealand police ran two trials examining the introduction of tasers, before Howard Broad authorised their general use on 28 August 2008.

Howard Broad declined a request by a TVNZ journalist to be tasered himself.

Howard Broad acknowledged the film was shown but stated he only learnt about it afterwards and did not approve.

Howard Broad reported the incident to his superior the following morning.

Howard Broad continues to work with the New Zealand Police in his capacity as a Member of the Board at Crimestoppers New Zealand.