How did you come to be in Rotorua?
I moved from Auckland in 2008 to take on a role as Detective Senior Sergeant overseeing organised crime across the Bay of Plenty District.
What's your current role and what does it involve?
My title is Detective Superintendent: Central. My role is overseeing and managing serious crime across the Bay of Plenty, Central, Eastern and Wellington Districts which covers Tauranga down to Wellington. Most recently overseeing three police shooting investigations.
What has been the most memorable case (good or bad) you've worked on in your career so far?
Too many to mention. A number of child abuse cases I worked on in Auckland spring to mind. Our investigators working in this field do some outstanding work in a complex environment at times. Prosecuting child abusers prevents a huge amount of harm as it prevents further victimisation. Knowing this is really rewarding.
You've been in the news this week as a result of the George Taiaroa case. What's the message from the police about cases which take a long time to investigate?
That we never ever give up on behalf of victims of crime. Our key focus is to prevent all harm and to ensure people are safe in the streets and in their homes. However, if a crime is committed then the public should know that we will investigate it thoroughly, professionally and carefully. We will patiently look for opportunities to progress cases and the Taiaroa case is an example of this. The Rodney Tahu [in 2013 Menzies Hallett was convicted of Mr Tahu's 1979 murder] case is another.
What's the one other big case on your watch you'd like to see an arrest in?
Nothing specific that I can mention right now. We have a focus on cold cases and I can't speak specifically about any one of them right now.
What do you like most about working in the police?
Anyone in the police will tell you that the best thing is working with an outstanding, dedicated and professional team of officers and support staff. Everyone in our team plays a key role within each phase of any investigation. For example our typist on the Taiaroa case, Andrea, did an outstanding job. It's a privilege to work with people who are experts in their field and pride themselves on their own effort, care and attention to detail.
What's the hardest part about being a police officer?
No matter how many years you have served in the police you never become immune to the impact and trauma on victims of serious crime. On the flipside being able to help and assist these same victims deal with the trauma and support them is tremendously rewarding - ensuring that vulnerable victims are cared for [after they have been assaulted by the very people who should be caring for them] is very satisfying.
When you're not catching crooks and locking up bad guys, what do you like to do?
Like a lot of cops, exercise is a good stress release - keeps everyone healthy and fit. I'm a beginner in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's a martial art which requires a lot of discipline and mindfulness. I highly recommend it.
Tell us a bit more about the team working on the Taiaroa case
The Operation Kingswood team was made up of investigators across the North Island who were extremely motivated to do their very best for George and his whanau. Their determination never wavered and it was humbling to work with people of this calibre and commitment. At the height of the investigation there were over 100 across the North Island, in recent times there was a core team of five to six dedicated investigators with others assisting as and when required.
