Richard Whitmore (51) this week announced his intention to step down as Clutha Mosgiel rural response manager to take up the sole charge position at Clinton made vacant by Senior Constable Blair Corlet's transfer to Oamaru.
He said his decision was related to work and family balance.
Snr Sgt Whitmore joined the police in 1986.
He has worked as a manager in the Clutha area for 13 years - seven as detective sergeant and the past six years as senior sergeant.
Snr Sgt Whitmore said he had enjoyed his role as a senior manager, and managed several major operations relating to serious crime and emergencies and recently through ''significant organisation changes''.
''I've enjoyed working with South Otago staff and more recently staff in the Mosgiel and wider sub-area.
''As a manager, I am continually impressed by the commitment staff show to their respective communities and the professionalism displayed in the way they perform their day-to-day duties.''
Acting area commander for Dunedin, Clutha and Waitaki, Acting Inspector Darryl Lennane said the rural response manager's position - expected to remain in Balclutha - would be advertised and a reliever appointed until the vacancy was filled.
Snr Sgt Whitmore takes up the Clinton position on October 14.
