Snr Sgt McLean applied for the position of officer-in-charge there and was successful. When he leaves later this month he will have been in Northam for two and a half years.

He came to Northam from Laverton.

Snr Sgt McLean admits to being something of a gypsy.

“I generally try to move on every two or three years,” he said. “This will be my eleventh country posting as I like moving around the bush.

“I guess I’m looking for a fresh challenge. Fortunately my wife Tina enjoys moving around as well.”

This transfer will not be the first time Snr Sgt McLean will be in Katanning.

He joined the police in 1982 and was a young constable in Katanning during 1985 and 1986.

“It will be interesting to see how things have changed there in 25 years,” he said.”This is probably why I’ve enjoyed being in Northam so much.

“I used to come through here and the developments and improvement are impressive.

“The community is very supportive of the police and there is a hell of a lot of great potential here.”

Snr Sgt McLean is pleased that the rate of offending has declined markedly during his time in Northam.

He believes this has contributed to the fact that there are five applicants for his position. “Northam has become a desirable posting,” he concluded.