Constable Chris McAnally (36) started working as a frontline officer in Cromwell this week, following 18 months stationed in Gore.
He said the benefit of working within a small town was being able to get to know people properly.
"It [Cromwell] is small enough that you can stop and speak to people, and get a feel for the community. You lose that in big cities," he said.
Originally from Dunedin, Const McAnally said working in a small town brought a greater sense of making a difference as a police officer, and he hoped to focus on youth issues in particular.
"There are some problems in Cromwell around youth and drinking. You especially want to keep a place safe if it is where your own kids are growing up," he said.
Const McAnally and his wife Rachel have two sons - Jordan (11) and Leighton (10).
Both attend Alexandra Primary School, but will likely enrol in a Cromwell school soon.
The family lived in Alexandra for four years before moving to Cromwell last week.
Const McAnally trained as an officer for five months from March 2008, before graduating and being posted to Gore.
He remained an Alexandra resident, commuting to the Southland town.
Before joining the force, Const McAnally worked as a printer for 14 years and was a support worker for people with disabilities at Living Options.
He wanted a change of career and thought the police would offer variety.
"I love the job," he said.
