Sen. Sgt Chris Martin ready to take on top job as Geraldton Police Station’s new officer-in-charge

A familiar face for residents in the Mid West over the last decade has taken on the mantle as officer-in-charge of Geraldton Police Station.

Sen. Sgt Chris Martin, whose 19-year career spans two countries, moved to Geraldton six months ago to head up the district engagement unit before moving into the new position yesterday.

Top of the agenda for the 39-year-old will be tackling youth crime and family violence, and building on his predecessor’s work to engage with communities.

“I think it’s really critical we actively create divergence strategies to keep offenders, and particularly young people, out of the court system,” he said.

“They’re the next generation of offenders, and if we can get them away from crime then we won’t have as many issues down the line.”

The Glasgow-born officer strongly believes it is critical that local issues be addressed by a multi-agency approach involving government and community, not just the police.

“We’ve all got a part to play in that journey to make Geraldton a safe and vibrant place to live,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin has worked in many regional areas over the past decade including Geraldton, Mullewa, Mount Magnet, Meekatharra and Carnarvon — experience he says helps him understand the Mid West’s communities.

He says he’s excited to take over the “flagship policing position” in the region but is under no illusions the role will be easy, acknowledging “there will be some difficult times ahead”.

He has taken over from Sen. Sgt Jason Scragg, who was officer-in-charge at Geraldton for two years.

“Geraldton is the largest community in the Mid West and Gascoyne,” he said.

“There’s a number of challenges that we will continue to face.

“I’m just lucky to join an incredible team here.”

A family man with three children who attend local schools, Sen. Sgt Martin’s presence has been felt in Geraldton for years — not just on the soccer field — rising through the ranks from his first posting here as a frontline senior constable. “I’m glad to see that the community in Geraldton are very supportive of the police,” he said.

“I’ll be doing my best to see that continue under my stewardship.

“Police are only as strong as the community around them.”