It has been little more than a year since Superintendent Chris Craner took over as the Port’s police commander.
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He came to the command vowing to provide stable leadership and to address issues such as domestic violence, police proficiency and transparency.
With some major gains in those areas under his belt, it seems it hasn’t taken long for the top brass to take notice.
Last week, Superintendent Craner was appointed to fill the temporary role of Chief of Staff to the NSW Commissioner. It means the Port Stephens LAC will receive its sixth commander in nine years.
“I came here promising stable leadership and I think the command is in a far more stable position than it was 15 months ago,” Supt Craner said.
“I’ve worked to make our police officers feel valued and make the community feel valued and that brings stability.”
His appointment came less than 24 hours after Mick Fuller was announced as the NSW Commissioner following the retirement of Andrew Scipione – Supt Craner’s last day was on Friday.
Acting Superintendent Wayne Humphrey will fill the role of the Port’s top cop while Supt Craner fulfills his secondment in Sydney.
“It’s a temporary role and I can’t say that I will or won’t be coming back but I know [Supt Humphrey] and he’s a good bloke and a great cop,” Supt Crander said.
As for Commissioner Fuller, Supt Craner described him as a “hands on, no nonsense” police officer with a dedication to those that serve around him.
“I have new history and old history with him,” he said.
“The old history is that I’ve worked in undercover and drug investigations with him.
“The new is that he’s the corporate sponsor for domestic violence and I [in the role as the Northern Regional Officer for Domestic Violence] reported directly to him.”
“I wasn’t surprised at all when he said that he wants to put the community first – that’s why I fit in – it’s what we’ve done here and It’s right up my alley.”
His role as chief of staff will largely involve ensuring the day-to-day operations in the Commissioner’s office run smoothly and his experience as an officer on the ground during the Martin Place siege in 2014 will mean he’s capable of tackling the issues facing modern policing.
While Supt Craner is happy to look towards his new role in Sydney, he’s also happy to reflect on the past 15 months in Port Stephens.
He credits the joint partnership between Port police, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service and council to establish crisis accommodation for women and families suffering from domestic violence in Raymond Terrace as a source of pride.
Other achievements he lists are the renewed focus on community engagement sessions and being the first command in NSW to set up a corrective services audio visual link.
The initiative, where those in custody can access court services and legal aid via video link, saved more than 1500 man hours a year in transporting and supervision.
