Constable Turnbull has been based in Oamaru since September this year after transferring from Timaru, and is part of the public safety teams working to keep the community safe at incidents, crashes and traffic events.
Const Turnbull said he is "absolutely loving" his new fulltime role.
"Something I do love about policing is all the people you interact with. You interact with a vast majority and minority of the public.
"You’re seeing them at their homes, in their cars, you’re dealing with people when they absolutely need help — because calling 111 isn’t a minor thing," he said.
Const Turnbull works in a relief role covering for other police staff, dealing with anything from police crime files and directing traffic to weekend work.
Originally from central Southland, he grew up and went to schools in Winton before studying engineering at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch and moving on to training at the Royal New Zealand Police College.
He then spent three years from 2014 as an authorised officer in custody and court in Christchurch, and was sworn in as a constable in 2017.
From 2017 to 2023 Const Turnbull was part of the Timaru police public safety team; following that he worked in the offender prevention team and tactical dog team from 2023.
As a cover person for the dog handler on the dog team in Timaru, Const Turnbull was well-versed at responding to events that require a higher level of tactical help.
"We assisted with search warrants and planned action and were part of the Armed Offenders Squad," he said.
Const Turnbull said he joined the police force as he liked "to be useful and help inside the police force and within the broader public".
He said the police in Oamaru have a pro-active attitude and good relationships within the community.
"It’s a great police station to work at and the culture is awesome.
"If any member of the public wants any sort of help and they’re unsure of what response they’re going to get from Oamaru police, I’d say don’t even worry about it, you are going to get the help you need.
"Members of the public actually like the police here which is quite nice," he said.
Due to his career experience Const Turnbull often steps in as acting sergeant.
If his first shift is anything to go by, he is off to a great start.
"On my first night shift we had some good criminal catches and resolved all the jobs that came through... I was kept busy," he said.
He said the camaraderie and information-sharing within the police force is important to him.
"I try to pass on stuff I’ve learnt to other constables and junior constables,"
Outside of work Const Turnbull enjoys listening to music and playing golf.
He has also played for the Canterbury police rugby team but is undecided if he will play police or club rugby as he would "have to switch teams from Canterbury to Southern".
Const Turnbull said Oamaru is a "great place that has heaps to offer" and he has been enjoying all the recreational activities available in the township including fishing at the wharf and exploring the Historic Precinct. He is also looking forward to further exploration of the Waitaki district.
Three other new constables are also working on the public safety team at Oamaru police after completing college: Thomas Hansen since July 7, Ryan Thorn since September 15 and Knoah Den Dulk since October 20.
"With the intake of the three constables the Oamaru public safety team will be operating at optimum staffing levels. This only bodes well for our emergency response to community issues," Snr Sgt Jason McCoy said.
