Inspector Lane Todd has been appointed to the position of Area Commander: Southland.
In announcing the appointment, Southern District Commander, Superintendent Bob Burns said the Southland Area Commander position was a key role in the Southern District.
"We are very pleased to appoint someone of Inspector Todd's calibre to the position. Inspector Todd is an operationally-focussed police officer with a wealth of experience in a variety of roles. Southern Police have undergone significant change to enable a more prevention-based model of policing and Inspector Todd will be instrumental in bedding in that change and building on the impressive successes Southland has achieved over the last two years," Superintendent Burns said.
"He has a leadership style that will engender the support of staff and the community alike."
Born in Invercargill, Inspector Todd joined the New Zealand Police in 1990 and has been stationed in Oamaru and Ranfurly as a constable. He was promoted to sergeant in Oamaru in 2000, then to senior sergeant as sub-area commander in Balclutha in 2003. In 2007 he was promoted to inspector in the Dunedin-based role of Southern District Operations Manager. His portfolio included district professional standards. He has previously relieved as Area Commander, Southland, and is currently responsible for planning the police operation for Southern's Rugby World Cup games.
Inspector Todd said he felt privileged to be selected for his new role.
"The time over the past 18 months that I've spent relieving in the role of Area Commander in Southland has allowed me to form solid partnerships with staff and partner agencies in the area. It's also been beneficial to be part of the team introducing the Area's crime and crash prevention strategy, which has already resulted in a safer environment for Southland communities."
"I am really looking forward to the opportunity to enhance these earlier-formed relationships and to work with police staff and the community to build on Southland's excellent crime reduction results. I'm also looking forward to the opportunity to live and work in a great province."
Inspector Todd officially takes up the position next Monday (25 July).
ENDS
Media inquiries to Vivien Pullar, Communications Manager, Southern District on 03 471-4909