New top cop jumps into action

Rockingham’s new officer-in-charge Sgt Neville Beard has jumped into his new role and is aiming to make many new connections within the community.

This is not his first stint as an officer-in-charge, as he has previously worked at the Murdoch and Fremantle stations in the same position and has been in the police force for 38 years.

“I will be working to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community and guaranteeing everyone has access to police services at the times when they need us,” he said.

“I will also be looking to meet local people and business owners through community forums I would like to hold, beginning in the new year.

“This will give me an opportunity to listen to the community and develop our policing response to meet local issues.”

Sgt Beard said some things he would like to focus on included engaging with Aboriginal community members and representatives and reducing youth offending.

He said he would also like to have an impact on the use and distribution of illicit drugs in the community, particularly methamphetamine and contribute to preventing and combatting family violence in the community.

“If members of the community have any questions regarding the delivery of police services in the Rockingham sub-district or have suggestions about how our services can be improved please feel free to contact me at the Rockingham Police Station on 9528 8000,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the many government and non government service providers in the district in the hope we can align our services to meet local requirements.”