Temuka's newest cop relishing chance for more responsibility
The call-outs may be fewer but Temukas newest cop has taken on more responsibility since moving from Auckland. The cool thing I found about coming down to a rural station is, Im expected to do everything, Constable Graham Maley said. The 29-year-old worked as a frontline officer for two-and-a-half years and in enquiries for about a year while stationed in Counties Manukau but since moving to Temuka four weeks ago, hes been able to do both at the same time and follow his cases from start to finish. I get a lot of satisfaction from doing the whole package, which Ive never done before. READ MORE: * Plans to launch Geraldine community patrol group * Waimate cop calls it a day after 23 years in the force * Reducing South Canterbury road toll focus for new Timaru cops Maleys first day on the job in Temuka was June 22, after working in Counties Manukau since being sworn in December 2016. Its still the same job and I love it just as much, he said. My wife and I really enjoy the small-town vibe. Its lovely being among all the farms and beautiful scenery. We could spend many years here. Maley said serving Counties Manukau versus Temuka hardly compares. Up there, youre job-to-job all the time. Theres so many calls, you can barely get through all of them. I never really got a chance to slow down and take prevention opportunities, such as doing stops for traffic offences, he said. Were also greeted with a bit of hostility in South Auckland, but the community here is very receptive and welcoming of police. He was pleasantly surprised to have not come across many speeders or family harm incidents in Temuka, though he had dealt with more cannabis cultivators than he was expecting. He had not yet been involved in any cases involving methamphetamine, but said stamping out the drug was a real priority. Its just terrible. We will do everything we can to eradicate it. Maley, originally from Christchurch, moved with his wife to Temuka to be closer to family. I wouldve stayed in South Auckland if it wasnt for the family aspect, but I was only seeing them a maximum of four times a year, he said. We definitely dont want to leave Canterbury again. The Temuka police station is staffed by four constables and one sergeant. Maley said another officer, Constable Renee Chapman, was also a new addition to the Temuka round, having previously served in Timaru. She was helping cover Geraldine until a vacancy there was filled.