Mel is a Senior Sergeant with 15 years’ policing experience across frontline and prevention-focused roles. In Southland, Mel leads a prevention strategy designed to reduce demand on frontline services through proactive, problem-solving approaches.
Southland’s strategy has delivered proven success, particularly in the retail crime and inner-city offending space, where it has achieved one of the most significant reductions in retail crime nationally. Central to this success has been strong partnership with local retailers, council, and community agencies, recognising that sustainable change requires shared ownership.
Mel’s approach is grounded in a simple but powerful principle; clearly identify the problem, genuinely own it, and work collaboratively to create long-term, sustainable solutions.
