Photo caption: Fifi Anderson is delighted to cap off her graduation by winning the 2024 New Zealand Police Bachelor of Criminal Justice Prize.
Winning a top student prize from the New Zealand Police is a huge confidence boost, says a University of Canterbury criminal justice graduate.
Fifi Anderson will celebrate achieving her Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree during an upcoming Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) graduation event. She’s also been buoyed by her success in becoming one of two recipients of the 2024 New Zealand Police Bachelor of Criminal Justice Prize.
It’s the first time the prize, which comes with a $1000 award split this year between the two winners, has been presented. Based on academic achievement, it is awarded by the University of Canterbury Council on the recommendation of the Executive Dean of the UC Faculty of Law, Professor Petra Butler.
Fifi says she became interested in studying criminal justice while she was still at high school in Auckland and the UC degree - the only one of its kind offered by a New Zealand university - has been everything she hoped for. “It’s the only pathway I wanted to pursue and the only field I wanted to be in, and I’ve never regretted that decision.”
She is now studying towards a Master of Criminal Justice at UC and considering writing her dissertation on a topic either in the area of financial crime, such as Ponzi schemes, or exploring counter-terrorism.
Fifi has been volunteering at Christchurch Men’s Prison for the last six months helping to run an art and music session. She says it’s been incredibly valuable as work and life experience.
“You can learn a lot of theory, but going into that environment and talking to people who are in prison really puts it into a practical perspective. Going there is the highlight of my week, I love it. Some of them are amazing artists.”
She appreciates the recognition that comes with the prize and the affirmation that she has the ability to keep going with her studies, which she is excited about.
“Sometimes I have had imposter syndrome, so it’s been really nice to get that recognition and know that it’s worthwhile me continuing.
“My advice to other students is that it’s so important to choose something that you’re passionate about because that will totally take you through the degree.”
The other winner of the NZ Police Prize is Stella Smith, who graduated from UC last year with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Laws and is now working as a lawyer for Lane Neave in Christchurch. She says studying criminal justice has made her more “well-rounded” as a lawyer.
The NZ Police Bachelor of Criminal Justice Prize was established last year as part of a range of existing Police initiatives to support UC’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) degree.
The Police also offer an internship programme with an opportunity for students to work for them over the summer months.
New Zealand Police Chief Assurance Officer Mike Webb says offering an annual prize for the top BCJ students was a logical extension of that support. “We’re excited to be able to recognise the excellence attained by this year’s joint winners.
“It’s been fantastic to see lots of BCJ graduates go on to gain employment with the Police – as frontline constables or in communication centre roles, through to jobs as intelligence analysts or policy advisors – and we’re hopeful that this trend continues, especially as we strive to reach some ambitious recruitment targets for new police officers.”
UC Director of Criminal Justice Professor Helen Farley says the prize is testament to the students’ hard work and dedication. “We are incredibly proud of Fifi and Stella for their achievements. The Bachelor of Criminal Justice continues to attract talented individuals who are committed to making a difference in the justice sector, and it’s exciting to see their contributions already taking shape.”
