Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron took over from Grahme Bartlett on August 22 as the resort's top detective and said one of his bigger concerns was Queenstown's drug culture.
"There is no such thing as a victimless crime, and although the drug scene doesn't adversely affect many locals directly, it still affects the crime rate overall." Det Sgt Cameron said that while Queenstown did not get too much of the higher end crime common in the larger cities, he was keen to keep on top of the town's alcohol and drug problems.
"Although we have this party-town reputation, drugs are a definite cause for concern and we will be continuing to take particular notice of that.
"Queenstown police have achieved some significant results in recent years and I am keen for that to continue." He has been in the police force for over 15 years, working in places such as Orewa, Dargaville, Wellington and Central Auckland before coming to Queenstown, where he has been a sergeant for nearly four years.
The detective sergeant role was advertised nationally and Det Sgt Cameron had to go through an interview process to get the job ahead of other applicants. He is pleased with how he has adapted to the new position.
"I'm still new in the role and finding my feet, but it's a challenge I am looking forward to.""The job here is certainly different from anywhere else I've worked. We are fortunate to have a relatively low crime level in terms of burglary and car crime, while alcohol plays a disproportionately large role in the majority of offences committed".
It is not the detective sergeant's first time in such an integral role, as he served in Auckland as a crime co-ordinator in the central city's crime squad, which he said was very "reactive" compared with his new role, where he plans to be "proactive".
"We have more time to target and identify serious crime here."
Det Sgt Cameron's new position leaves him in charge of an investigative unit which includes three other detectives, a uniform officer, a youth aid officer and two intelligence staff and he will effectively oversee serious crime investigations in the Queenstown area.
"So far it has been good. I came in at the peak of the winter season, which is generally our busy time of year."
Queenstown's international popularity also means police have to be more aware of an international audience when it comes to the bigger cases, he said.
"We are well aware with Queenstown comes an international profile and crimes can be reported on widely, particularly when they involve foreign nationals.
He said one of the biggest differences in his new role compared to Auckland and Wellington was the size of the force he has to work with.
"The investigative role here is very much self reliant. It is very easy to get support in a big city, but here we have to call in assistance from several other areas for help if needed.
"Support networks can become stretched in a small town, which is why we look to the community to assist in identifying crime and those individuals committing it, for the benefit of all."
