Dear policemen and women: 'Thank you for helping everybody'

Counties Manukau Police

"My mum told me that you are all catching the drunk people," Madison wrote to police.

A letter exchange between a young girl and a police officer about drunk drivers has drawn a large response online.

Counties Manukau police shared the letter from a young girl, named Madison, on its Facebook page.

"We love getting letters from members of our community," the post said.

Madison wrote she was initially afraid at passing through a police breath testing checkpoint with her mother.

But her fears were soon put to rest.

Counties Manukau Police

Constable's response to Madison's letter sent this week.

"My mum told me that you are all catching the drunk people," she wrote.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping everybody . . . thank you for standing out in the cold."

Madison wrote that her dad had been in a crash involving a drunk driver, but that he was OK. 

A constable from the south Auckland police district, impressed with the letter, wrote back to Madison in appreciation.

"I am sorry that the officer initially gave you a fright, but your mum is correct!" the letter began.

"We do try and stop drunk people from driving in order to keep them safe, as well as other people on the road and your family."

On the lucky escape for Madison's dad, the constable said some people made mistakes.

"It is what we learn from them and how we act afterwards that shows what type of person we really are."

And there's no need to worry about officers getting cold on the job, the constable wrote.

"We have merino jumpers . . . plus jackets too! I like to wear really fluffy, fuzzy socks with my boots just in case."

Madison's comments were echoed by commenters on Facebook.

"Thank you for keeping us safe," one user wrote.

"You guys and gals do a great job, at times thankless, but I do appreciate you all," another wrote.