The Mid North Coast Police District has welcomed a new sergeant who will be stationed at South West Rocks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Sergeant Paul Martyn is the first sergeant to be stationed in the coastal town and said he is looking forward to learning more about the Macleay community.
"This is my second week, so I'm just starting to get to know the community and any issues that locals are discussing."
Sgt Martyn brings with him 20 years of experience in the police force. He was stationed in Sydney and the western suburbs for a number of years before spending six years in Young where he learned the art of country policing.
"Young had a population of around 8000 people, which is similar to South West Rocks. I will be able to bring my knowledge to this position."
Sgt Martyn has moved to South West Rocks with his wife and three children who are working and getting involved in the community.
"We plan to stay in South West Rocks and make it our home. I enjoyed my time in Young, but my wife and I always said that if we could move anywhere it would be to this area."
Sgt Martyn will be working with four officers stationed at South West Rocks.
"I'll be able to take on the administration work which will allow them to be more present in the town."
Mid North Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Paul Fehon said the new allocation of staff means more police will be out on the streets.
"South West Rocks has been recognised as a growth area and the increased staffing is a direct response to that growth," Supt Fehon said.
"If there's an emergency in South West Rocks, locals can now go directly to the police that are there and not have to go through the Kempsey station."
The South West Rocks sector will operate as a hub from Kempsey Police Station.
The officers at South West Rocks and Sgt Martyn will also oversee emergencies and call outs in surrounding areas including Stuarts Point, Fishermans Reach and Gladstone.
"It's very pleasing to have a sergeant at South West Rocks. Sgt Martyn brings with him a wealth of knowledge," Supt Fehon said.
"Sometime this year we will also be building a new police station in the South West Rocks CBD which will accommodate the officers stationed in the town."
Inspector Stuart Campbell reiterated Supt Fehon's comments and said having a sergeant in South West Rocks will benefit the whole community.
"We welcome Sgt Martyn to the district and the wealth of experience and knowledge he brings with him," Insp Campbell said.