Barwon Local Area Command has a new face at the helm.
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Acting Superintendent Scott Tanner arrived in Moree on Sunday to replace Superintendent Paul McDonald – who will begin a new chapter as Commander of Chifley – as Commander until the NSW Police restructure takes place, during which Barwon LAC will be split into the larger New England and Oxley police districts.
Acting Superintendent Tanner comes to Moree from Dubbo where he’s spent the past 18 months as Acting Superintendent for Orana.
He’s been in the police force for 24 years, 17 of which have been spent in the western region of NSW.
“I grew up in Werris Creek and always wanted to come back to the country,” Acting Superintendent Tanner said.
Acting Superintendent Tanner will be in Moree for a couple of weeks before taking leave in January.
He will then take over as Acting Commander for Moree and Armidale when they merge into the new New England Police District.
Acting Superintendent Tanner said at this stage the senior management team is yet to be finalised, but he’ll lead a temporary model until the changes come into effect at the end of February.
“There’ll be change at a management level but that will be reinvested into the front line which means more visible police on the ground,” he said.
“The Commissioner has already allocated extra numbers to here. I’m confident that will only increase.
“We’ll have an extra two general duties officers.”
Acting Superintendent Tanner said during his time in Moree he hopes to reduce crime and make the town inviting for young professionals and families to live and work.
“Reduction in crime is our number one priority,” he said.
I want to make Moree an attractive place to live and work not only for police but for anyone.
- Acting Superintendent Scott Tanner
“This can only be achieved by positive community engagement. Engagement with other services, youth, families etc.
“I want to make Moree an attractive place to live and work not only for police but for anyone.
“Reducing crime and fear of crime is paramount as these issues affect everything from insurance premiums, housing costs, cost of living and the general feeling of safety.
“There is so much opportunity in a place like Moree with a wealth of good, energetic leaders who want to see the town improve. If we, as police, can work beside, influence, assist and guide these people then we are achieving our goal.”
Operation Claymore 2 is well underway in Moree and Acting Superintendent Tanner said as well as reassuring the commmunity that the police have the resources to address crime issues from across the region, the strikeforce is sending a clear message to those doing the wrong thing.
“It shows the crooks that they’ve really only got three options – stop what they’re doing, get locked up or leave town,” he said.
“We can help out with any of those options.
“The results have been outstanding so far, lots of people have been taken in for outstanding matters.
“Outstanding warrant offenders – that’s who we’re here to target.
“But we need the community to really come on board. We can only go so far.”
Moree mayor Katrina Humphries welcomes Acting Superintendent Tanner to Moree, and said she is encouraged by the additional officers in town as part of Operation Claymore 2.
“There’s been a very positive reaction from the community,” she said.
“I’m very happy to see a lot more foot patrols and car patrols around town.
“We ask the community to please stand up and support police in their duties and talk about what you know.
“Don’t be afraid to give evidence. This is our one chance to clean up our community, we don’t want to spoil it.
“And for those that don’t want to live a lawful, clean life, there are other towns they can move to.”
Member for Northern Tablelands said the arrival of Acting Superintendent Tanner is a sign of good things to come for Moree in the New Year.
“It’s great to have Scott here,” he said.
“He’s spent his whole career in country policing and understands exactly what country and community policing is about.
“For his first few days in Moree he’s already doing a great job.
“I’m looking forward to the New Year – we’ve got an announcement about more police for Moree, two new probationary constables, an additional Detective Sergeant and two Constables to tackle rural crime, and Strikeforce Claymore is still going strong.
“All these changes are going to be for the better.”
Mr Marshall also announced Moree’s new, permanent magistrate Michael Dakin, who he hopes will also contribute to cleaning up crime in town.
Mr Dakin will be the first permanent magistrate Moree has had in at least nine months.
“He comes from Tweed Heads and has been on the bench for years. He has a police background,” Mr Marshall said.
“Police can only gather evidence and put people before the courts, and the courts determine the justice. Having a permanent magistrate that’s here all the time and will be consistent is only a good thing.”