Having been a member of the force for 10 years, the past four in Cootamundra, Senior Constable Peter Guthrie has recently been appointed the crime prevention officer of the Cootamundra Local Area Command – a position he believes will allow him to make a vital contribution to the community he now calls his own.

The crime prevention officer is one of the most visible roles within the command and has been left empty since Senior Constable Heidi Couvee left in the second half of last year.

Senior Constable Guthrie commenced the role last week after spending time with the Goulburn Local Area Command crime prevention officer to get a good handle on just what the position entails.

His first port of call in the new role will be to join forces with local youth liaison officer Joe Camilleri to target youth related crime.

He said other issues within the command include alcohol related crime.

As the crime prevention officer, Senior Constable Guthrie will talk to victims of crime to ensure they are protected well for next time.

He will also be responsible for the Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program, which currently includes volunteers Ron Robinson and Louanda Hardie. This program was initiated by Senior Constable Couvee in Cootamundra after she had successfully seen it grow in the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command.

Senior Constable Guthrie encouraged other local residents to get involved in the VIP program, saying it is ideal for those with some spare time on their hands who still want to contribute to their

community.

Other responsibilities of the crime prevention officer include talking to local businesspeople about the strategies they can put in place to ensure they do not become victims of crime and being the face of the Police at community events.

Senior Constable Guthrie came to Cootamundra from the Nowra Police Station and is an active member of the community, in particular playing a number of sports including cricket, AFL, rugby league, golf and tennis.