> Skip to content
  • Published: 28 March 2012
  • ISBN: 9781742532363
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 250
Categories:

Five Foot and Fearless: A woman on the front line in New Zealand's Armed Offenders Squad



The inspiring story of petite police officer Liz Williams, and how she juggled the role of everyday wife and mother with her dangerous job as a member of New Zealand's Armed Offenders Squad.

'I don't think I can actually remember a time in policing when I didn't want to join the Armed Offenders Squad. My early reasons for joining probably weren't the purest, though – I just thought they looked really cool.'
Five Foot and Fearless is the inspiring story of Liz Williams, a police officer and mum of one, who desperately wanted to be part of the Armed Offenders Squad. The brutal selection process would send most people running for cover, but her husband's words spurred her on: 'You know, you could do it if you wanted to.'
Liz's story is one of determination and girl power. She struggles with motherhood and childcare just like any other working mum – but in Liz's world, she needs someone to look after her son at 1 a.m. when she's called on to fight crime.
A gifted storyteller, Liz entertains with tales of drowning in AOS gear that is too big for her, trying to keep her togs from riding up in the swim trial, and dealing with criminals in bad underwear. But her story has a darker side, as she reveals the harsh realities of the job that an AOS member faces every day. Liz's account of the 2009 Napier siege is especially harrowing.
At times laugh-out-loud funny, at other times shocking, Liz's story offers rare insights into one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

  • Published: 28 March 2012
  • ISBN: 9781742532363
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 250
Categories:

About the author

Liz Williams

Liz Williams joined the Air Force as a teenager, before embarking on a career in the New Zealand Police that has now spanned 17 years. She has served in both the Criminal Investigations Branch and the General Duties Branch, as well as having a role in the Armed Offenders Squad. Liz currently lives in Central Otago with her husband, son and a host of slightly irritating animals that no one else wanted. She still works for the New Zealand Police.