Constable Darren Barrow is the new police officer in Waverley. PHOTO/LIN FERGUSON
He's the new man in Waverley.
The new sole police officer that is.
Constable Darren Barrow, a former Whanganui builder, said working in a small rural town was a mix that took a bit of getting used to after city policing.
The area is large and much of it from the coast to inland areas is quite isolated, he said.
"But it's pretty good working in a small community. You get to know the local people quite fast and they like to help you."
A couple of teenage girls were seen on CCTV rifling from the shelves.
"The pictures are very clear and the girls are easily identifiable. Matter of time, really. We'll catch up with them."
If there is a major incident, the troops are called in from Whanganui, he said.
Mr Barrow lives in Whanganui with his wife and young family. On the wall beside his desk are pictures of his three small daughters. His pride is evident.
"I've been so welcomed into this community. Brian Rook, the police officer before me, was 16 years here in Waverley. He's a hard act to follow. Everyone loved Rooky; he was a legend."
And he's still active in the Waverley and Patea communities as a community board member, Lions club member and with the voluntary Community Patrol group, Mr Barrow said.
"But give me time. I've only been here three months."