EBOP Police Area Commander appointed
August 13, 2010, 12:06 pm
Sandra Venables, currently the Sub-Area Supervisor for the Thames-Coromandel Police area, has been appointed as the new Area Commander for the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police.
It is believed it is the first time a woman as been appointed to an Area Commander position in Bay of Plenty Police.
The Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area covers a diverse geographical area, and includes Whakatane, Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Te Teko, Opotiki and Te Kaha, with stations in each of those locations. The Area has 115 sworn and non-sworn Police staff, and a population of approximately 47,500.
Ms Venables has spent most of her Police career in Waikato and Northland and comes to Eastern Bay of Plenty after more than 16 years working in New Zealand Police.
Ms Venables started her Police career in Hamilton, transferring to Kaitaia where she was promoted to Sergeant. She was the first Sergeant to be based in Whitianga in Coromandel, also managing two out-stations during that time. After spending 18 months as the District Family Violence Co-ordinator (Senior Sergeant) in Northland, Ms Venables transferred to her current role in Waikato, which she has held for the past two and a half years.
The Acting District Commander for Bay of Plenty Police, Inspector Mark Harrison, says Ms Venables brings a wealth of very relevant experience to Eastern Bay of Plenty.
"Sandra has spent most of her career working in rural and/or Coastal areas, which also describes the makeup of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area. Regions like these across New Zealand share many of the same concerns, such as road policing and family violence, and a large influx of visitors during the summer period.
"The Eastern Bay of Plenty – as well as the wider District – stand to benefit greatly from her experience in these areas. She has much to offer our Police staff and those local communities, and we look forward to welcoming her on board."
Inspector Harrison says as an Area Commander, Ms Venables will also sit on the District management team. She will commence her new role as Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander in the week starting 20 September.
Ms Venables says is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities offered by policing in Eastern Bay of Plenty – but she is also looking forward to "going home".
"While I have spent much of my career in the Waikato and Northland, I grew up in Rotorua, and have close family ties across the Bay of Plenty, including Opotiki."
Ms Venables says her priorities in the first few weeks will be getting around the entire Eastern Bay of Plenty Area, meeting Police staff at stations throughout the Area and members and groups in the community.
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Note to media: Sandra Venables will not be available for media interviews about this appointment until after her commencement date. Please contact Jacky James on 07 343 1321.
