Thirty-seven year old Senior Constable Churchill took up the position at Tea Gardens after spending three years working in the Hunter Valley.

"Before that I was in the Highway Patrol working in the western suburbs of Sydney for 12 years.

"I also spent three years as an Acting Sergeant in the Target Action Group at Penrith, which specifically targets anti-social behaviour and unruly street activity."

Although he lives in Seaham, Senior Constable Churchill travels to Tea Gardens on a regular basis to share shifts with Senior Constable Brumby.

"Between the two of us we are able to cover what's required for the local area," he said.

Senior Constable Churchill has had experience in big cities, but he is also no stranger to small towns.

"I am looking forward to getting involved with the local community and I encourage residents to report their concerns to police, because if we don't know about it, we can't help," he said.

To contact Tea Gardens Police call 4997 0244.