New inspector keen to help empower disadvantaged youth

If you see the Mid West Gascoyne Police District’s newest inspector, Tony Jeavons, casting out a line, maybe offer him some friendly advice because although he loves fishing in his spare time, he admits he isn’t the world’s best fisherman. “I don’t expect the fish to be worried any time soon,” he joked. That said, the 38-year veteran of the police force knows a thing or two about policing after a career working all over the state from Perth to Kalgoorlie and, most recently, in the Kimberley. Two of Insp. Jeavons’ priorities moving forward are working to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and building on the work of his predecessors to improve community relations. “I have always wanted to come here and, to be honest, living in Geraldton is a privilege and a real bonus as there is a great community spirit here,” he said. Insp. Jeavons said he had learnt a lot from his time working closely with remote communities during his Kimberley posting. “My last posting gave me some great insight into the unique challenges our indigenous community face, especially the challenges that our young indigenous youth have themselves,” he said. “Working together is really important, and it’s something people in the bush do really well.” As an inspector, he said his role was to support frontline police to do the best they could, providing leadership and experience from his decades of policing. “My role is very busy and demanding but it is something I love doing,” he said. Insp. Jeavons said his beat included communities as far away as Jurien Bay and Morawa, and he was looking forward to spending time working in those places. He arrived in Geraldton on March 3 and said he was excited to live and work here. “The people I have met so far have been very welcoming,” he said. “I hope to spend much of my time with my partner Sharon getting involved in many community activities.”