For detective senior sergeant at Werribee police’s crime investigation unit John Johnson, Wyndham has been a great place to live, work and do business.
How long have you been in Wyndham?
I’ve lived in the area since 1992. I was initially attracted by the rural aspect of it. Back in 1992 it wasn’t what it is today. I raised my kids here and they benefitted from good local schooling. We have always been involved in sport, too and we have a great basketball community in Wyndham. In terms of work, I’ve been in charge of the crime investigation unit here for 17 years. I’ve been in the police force for 45 years. Before Werribee, I was at the Altona North crime investigation unit, which also covered Werribee.
What’s changed from 1992 to today?
The growth has just been amazing. We have challenges around roads and infrastructure because of the growth. We’re also struggling to keep up with health and education services. But that aside, it’s a great place to live, work and do business. From a policing perspective, the challenge has always been to manage the demand for our service.
Describe your average day at work
It starts with me acquainting myself with what’s been happening overnight. In Wyndham, there’s usually a lot of crime. I oversee and manage the progress of the investigations of all those crimes.
What’s your favourite part about the job?
Having the opportunity to make a difference. To make the roads safe, to create an environment where people walk down the street and feel a degree of safety. I’m very aware of our crime data, we compare very favourably to other areas in the western suburbs.
Forty five years in policing … is retirement far off? What’s planned for retirement?
I’m 60 now and in policing terms, I’m in my final quarter. I like to travel a lot. I’m a four-wheel-driver. I love getting out into the outback, camping … I’ll be doing a bit of that. I’m also involved with friends in raising money for charity Camp Quality.
If somebody visited you from interstate or overseas, where would you take them to show off Wyndham?
I actually do this quite a bit and I usually head down to Shadowfax. It’s a beautiful spot to sit back and have a coffee or a wine.
The mansion, the rose garden, the Werribee South beach: we have a lot of natural beauty here.
