When Superintendent Joel Lamb talks about policing, he doesn’t start with rank or titles – he starts with people.
He is stepping into the role of Eastern District Commander, taking over from Jeanette Park who has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner and moved to Wellington.
Last week, Joel was formally welcomed to the role with a pōwhiri at Napier’s Pukemokimoki Marae, attended by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett, Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park and the local Eastern District Leadership Team along with local police staff, iwi, whānau and members of the community.
A special moment being welcomed on to Pukemokimoki Marae.
Joel brings with him 27 years of service in a career that has taken him across New Zealand and overseas to Jakarta. From metro policing in Auckland, provincial towns like Oamaru, Te Kuiti and Riverton to one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities, he has seen policing in many forms.
In Riverton, Mount Manganui and Petone Joel was Officer in Charge of the station. In Auckland, he held four inspector positions before moving to Southland as Area Commander and later District Prevention Manager, and for the last year he’s been working in Police National Headquarters in Wellington as the Director of Major Operations.
Joel's five years in Jakarta were focused on combating people smuggling and human trafficking across Asia and preventing its impact to New Zealand.
Through it all, he says one belief has stayed constant – that policing is about forming a connection and doing what’s right.
A third-generation police officer, Joel holds a deep respect for community-based policing.
“I love provincial policing. It’s the ability to apply common sense, to sit down and talk things through, to understand the heart of the problem, and it’s about being visible and present.”
Joel's vision is straightforward.
“I want our staff to enjoy their jobs and feel proud to work for Police and be proud to live in the Eastern District," he says. "And I want our officers and the public to feel safe.”
He says safety is not just about crime stats, it’s about trust and the public knowing their police are approachable and willing to listen.
That listening style is central to his leadership style.
“I’m keen to sit down, have conversations and work together. I want an engaged community that sees itself as part of the work being done.
“The best outcomes happen when we understand each other.”
Joel’s already extending an open invitation to staff: approach him, stop for a chat, share ideas, raise concerns.
Recruitment is also on his radar and he’s keen to attract more great people to work for police in the Eastern District.
Joel says the Eastern District is full of opportunity with strong and resilient communities who have faced their fair share of challenges, dedicated staff who just get on and get the job done and a shared desire to keep people safe.