Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree new Western Region Commander

"I'm western region, New England born and bred, so its nice to get back to the region after being away for the last 10 or so years," he said.

"Regional policing is something that I just really love, and to be in charge of the seven districts out here, ranging from Broken Hill to the New England through to Oxley and Chifley, Central West, it's a real dream come true."

Assistant Commissioner Greentree began his career with the NSW Police in 1995.

Originally from Inverell, he began work in Sydney, before he moved to Moree where he became a detective and over the years worked across the state - including at Inverell, Tingha, Tweed Heads, Tamworth, Bourke and Maitland.

He also spent time as a staff officer in the NSW Police Commissioner's office in Sydney, and has been commander of the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Brisbane Water police districts.

Taking over the role this week, Assistant Commissioner Greentree says he has "big shoes to fill".

"I'm taking over from someone I just really respect and admire, Geoff McKechnie. He's been a wonderful friend of mine, and a really fantastic mentor. He has set this region up over the last 10 years to be the, I think, superior regional policing command in the state."

So far the Western Region commander has been out to Wilcannia, currently battling with the COVID-19 outbreak.

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"It really re-energised me, going to a police station and just speaking to the cops on the ground. Not only the passion they have for what they do, but the passion for the communities that they live in. I took a lot from that."

And as the region begins to open up, the Assistant Commissioner said one of his main priorities would be helping the west move forward post-COVID.

"How much input will the police need in that community? How much support will we need to give health? All those sorts of questions we need to answer in the next few weeks as we get closer to those target rates."

Also on his radar, Assistant Commissioner Greentree said he had a strong focus on building trust and legitimacy in the community and with partners, crime reduction across the region and regional road safety. However overall, Assistant Commissioner Greentree said he couldn't wait to travel the region.

"One of my plans will be to certainly get out as much as I can, not only to visit the police, but those key community members, the mayors, councillors, key business leaders who have led the way right throughout the pandemic."

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