Prosecutor makes case for new move

LONG SERVICE: Sergeant Garry Wilson outside the Masterton Police Station on his last day as a police prosecutor in Masterton. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

One of our longest-serving officers has marked his final day in Wairarapa.

After 28 years serving the Wairarapa community, police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson is departing to take up a prosecution role in Christchurch.

Mr Wilson said with all his children having left home it seemed like a good time to embark on a new adventure.

He and his partner fell in love with Christchurch when they were working in the city following the earthquakes and are looking forward to taking in all the art and entertainment the city can offer, Mr Wilson said.

"It's actually quite an inspiring place to be around.

"It's a travesty what happened but it's a fantastic opportunity that they seem to be grasping to re-invent the city."

Mr Wilson will be joining a team of 19 other prosecutors, a far cry from the team of two based in Masterton.

One of the best things about policing in Masterton had been the opportunity to get involved in the community, he said.

"When you are part of the community and people know who you are and where you live and who your partner is, it makes you more a part of the community and it makes you treat people better."

A former Makoura College student, he joined the army before settling on a police career.

He joined the force in 1986 when all officers had to spend a rotation in court, and ended up staying on as a police prosecutor.

Coming from a military background, the sense of camaraderie and family the police offered appealed to him, he said.

"During the years of the arsons and all that - they were the best policing years on the front line for me because it enforced that sense of family for me."

"When something bad does happen it is a bloody great family."

He had seen a lot during his time as prosecutor.

"Absolutely nothing surprises me. You think you've heard it all and then someone will have done something in such unusual circumstances you think 'if that was a soap opera no one would believe it' - but it happens in real life."

"There are times when the judge and I will just look at each other ... there are funny times when the court room just erupts with laughter."

Some of the objects used as weapons in assault cases could defy belief with steaks, children's toys and even fish amongst the more unusual items, he said.

However, he had learned a lot during his years in court.

"I love the thrust and cut of the court room ... I enjoy the day-to-day arguing, resolutions and mediating. It's a human place and there are a lot of opportunities to just try to help people."

Some of the most satisfying cases he had worked on were those with a positive long-term outcome for the offender.

"You start thinking 'what's the best outcome?' and often a conviction is not the best outcome - the ability to identify the best outcome comes with experience and confidence."

Mr Wilson takes up his role in Christchurch on January 12.