Inspector John Behrendt will don the uniform for the last time after eight years in the Shoalhaven.

“The change in technology has been huge – when I started we had typewriters and never had a mobile phone,” he said.

“We had a call box key and had to call in every two hours so they knew where we were.

“Now we have computers, mobile radios, mobile data terminals in the car which track where you are. We have automatic numberplate recognition in highway cars, field identification kits to allow fingerprinting in the field and all interviews are recorded and videoed.

“Social media has also been a huge advantage for police to both release information and gain information from the public.”

He said his role had also changed dramatically.

“When you first start, it’s all about arresting criminals, prosecuting them and serving your community – that’s still there with the job satisfaction to uphold the right of law,” he said.

“But once you become an inspector things change – you are then also responsible for the safety of not only yourself but your staff and ensure they all get home safely.

“If I had to pass anything on to my fellow officers it would be talk to your wives or partners. Let them know what you have gone through – it gives them a better understanding of what you are facing. You can’t do it all on your own.”

He paid credit to his wife Jenny, who had been a “huge support” during his career.

Inspector Behrendt has had numerous postings during his career, both in the city and country, in a variety of roles.

As well as general duties he worked in the highway patrol, five years at a one-man station at Bodalla, worked for internal affairs during the Royal Commission, the Target Action Group at the Olympics and on Operation Puccini, in which police took on the 5T Gang in Cabramatta and dismantled the heroin trade in that suburb.

“That was an interesting time, it was a bit like a war zone,” he said.

“It was there I first saw the value of CCTV footage. Cabramatta was extremely well covered by cameras and we were able to use them to target businesses and individuals who were dealing.

“CCTV is a good tool. In the Shoalhaven it may not be as busy as city central but the cameras play a role.

“We can refer back to them after incidents or if something is reported, can watch in real time and see what may be happening.

“They aren’t used to spy on the public.”

One of the roles he has enjoyed in the Shoalhaven has been emergency management.

“It is a passion for me. I was in the police rescue squad at one stage and as a young constable attended the Granville rail disaster in 1977. That had a massive impact on my career,” he said.

“Locally we have a great working relationship with the ambulance, fire brigades, RFS, SES marine and the navy.”

In retirement, he will be travelling, undertaking renovations to the family home, working in his vegetable garden, volunteering at the Nowra Church of Christ and expanding his new passion for photography.