New Police recruits at Wanaaring and Enngonia

Senior Constable Daniel Vituseck (Wanaaring), Commander of Central North Police District Superintendent Tim Chinn, Inspector Peter Walton and Peter Hadlow (Enngonia). PHOTO TWH

After years of having no permanent police presence in the remote villages of Wanaaring and Enngonia, the Central North Police District has finally filled these positions.

Constable Peter Hadlow, who, for the last two and a half years, has worked in general duties policing in the Sydney CBD, has transferred to Enngonia to fill the position that has been vacant for 12 months.

Likewise, Senior Constable Daniel Vituseck has relocated from Sydney, where he spent five years in general duties policing and five years on the highway patrol, to fill the position at Wanaaring that has been vacant for two years.

“It is great for our district to see these remote locations filled,” Inspector Peter Walton said.

“Constable Hadlow has been in Enngonia since March and has been training for remote policing on the ground, getting to know, and being involved in, the community.

“Wanaaring is a remote area in our district, and that role can be hard to fill,” Inspector Walton said.

“It was vacant for approximately two years before we got Senior Constable Vituseck to come out; he has only commenced work in the last month, and he is getting used to remote policing and what comes with it, getting in and amongst the community.

“If these remote locations aren’t manned by a full-time officer that is residing in the town, police from Bourke or other sectors cover it if there is an issue that arises. For example, during the covid period, we sent police up there to Enngonia and Wanaaring, and they stayed in one of the residences for a week at a time, to engage with the communities and make sure that they were abiding by the public health orders and keeping safe.

“So, we have always got a back-up plan, but it is fantastic to have people in those communities, getting to know those communities, and being an active member in those communities rather than someone who is just blowing in and blowing out.

“Remote policing is unique,” Inspector Walton continued, “Constable Hadlow and Senior Constable Vituseck, who have taken on these roles, obviously find themselves in a different position than when they were in Sydney.

“The role is much more community based; they are there to enforce the law when they need to, but it is more about just being a part of the community and making sure things go smoothly.”

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