Inspector Mel Aitken has been the temporary West Coast area commander since January following the retirement of John Canning and has been shoulder-tapped to take over permanently.
Speaking from Rotorua yesterday where she is set to run a marathon, Insp Aitken confirmed she was likely to be offered the position but no formal offer had been made.
"I have been recommended and told that I'm the preferred candidate.
"[I am] absolutely considering it,'' she said.
Insp Aitken had not been given a formal contract and would not make a final decision on the job until she had seen a contract and talked it through with family.
"It's been a fantastic three and a bit months relieving in that capacity.
"I absolutely love it [the West Coast]. Great people. Great staff to work with. Great community and a huge opportunity to make a difference there,'' she said.
It would be hard to leave Dunedin if that was the decision she and husband, Sergeant Steve Aitken, also a police officer in Dunedin, made.
"I've been really well supported by the team in Southern and that makes decisions much harder.
"Dunedin's my home and whatever decision we make, it will always be home,'' she said.
Sgt Aitken confirmed yesterday that if his wife took the job, he, too, would be leaving for the West Coast.
Tasman police district commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus said Insp Aitken had proven her worth while relieving.
"I know that she has also earned the trust and confidence of many in the community who have met with her,'' Supt Malthus said.
Insp Aitken's appointment is subject to a statutory gazetting period, which should take about two weeks.
- Additional reporting Greymouth Star