Waikato Times
September 26, 2001

Waikato's police chief moves on
by Steve Hopkins

The Waikato's police chief is heading to Wellington.

Clint Rickards, Waikato police district commander, has been appointed to a plum role as one of three assistant police commissioners, based in the capital.

Mr Rickards began his new job earlier this week. His appointment was to come into effect in October, but Police Commissioner Rob Robinson wanted him to start early.

"He said I had my fingers in the pie already, so I might as well come down and start the job early," Mr Rickards said from Wellington today.

He said he will miss Hamilton and had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time here.

"I loved Hamilton, it was bloody excellent and I worked with an excellent bunch of staff," he said.

Mr Rickards said he felt his greatest achievements during his three years as regional district commander included reducing the crime rate and working closely with local Maori and the community to solve crime problems.

"I think I made a difference, but the proof's in the pudding, and I guess it's the comments made when you leave that count."

He publicly led a tough Waikato police stance on burglaries, fronting the Times' Stop Thief campaign last year.

A replacement will be found for the Waikato district commander position before November.

Area controller Hamilton city, Inspector Malcolm Burgess, is filling the role in the meantime.