New top cop brings wealth of experience

Louisa Rust

He has trained with the USA’s Federal Intelligence Bureau, served as a tank driver and military policeman in the army and has been in the NSW Police Force since 1981 – Superintendent Mick Plotecki is our new top cop for the region.

Supt Plotecki, a father of three, has take over from Supt Wayne Dedden as Lake Illawarra commander, with Supt Dedden now commander at Wollongong.

Supt Plotecki said his priority at Lake Illawarra was to fight domestic violence, illegal drug use and theft.

“Domestic violence is probably the most problematic,” he said. “It’s hard because it mainly happens in the home and is under reported.

“Just about everywhere I’ve worked drugs are a problem. The flavour just changes depending on where you are. Here, meth amphetamines (or ‘crystal meth’) seems to be a growing industry.”

While Supt Plotecki was working at Bankstown, there was a 30 percent reduction in crime rates.

Lake Illawarra crime rates also dropped under Supt Dedden’s command, with the area now ranked 78th out of 81 commands in the state for crimes per capita.

“Supt Wayne Dedden did a fantastic job – I am very impressed with the quality of work and attitude of the staff,” Supt Plotecki said.

“There’s a real can-do attitude down here,” he said. “That’s the advantage of having a local police force. In the city most of the police travel from other areas and aren’t as attached to the area they are working in.”

Supt Plotecki previously served in Liverpool, Bankstown and Glebe local area commands.