Scott Tanner, superintendent for the Richmond Police District and former Coonabarabran inspector was awarded the Australian Police Medal as part of the 2024 King's Birthday Honours. 

The medal recognises Superintendent Tanner's efforts throughout his over three-decade service in the NSW police force.

"It's very humbling. The award is deserved by everyone who has supported me throughout the years," Superintendent Tanner said.  

Superintendent Tanner started his career in 1993 at 19 years old at the police academy in Goulburn. After graduating from the academy on his 20th birthday, he got posted in Newcastle. 

From 2008 to 2013 worked first as a sergeant and later as an inspector in Coonabaran. He also serviced other towns in NSW including, Grafton, Nymboida, Manilla, Gunnedah, Armidale, Lismore, Wallsend, and Duboo.

Superintendent Tanner fondly remembers his time working closely with the community in Coonabarabran. 

"It was a fantastic community. We were able to raise our kids through high school there and made life-long friends."

The superintendent said he learned a lot by working hands-on in the community. 

"You're part of the fabric of the community. You know who's who. I think it gives you a sense of belonging, whereas in metropolitan areas you don't even live where you police." 

"You're not only the police officer there. You’re the coach of the footy team, or your kids play netball. You're involved in all those social aspects of the place." 

While Superintendent Tanner was coach of the Under 16 Footy Team, the team went through the season undefeated and won the grand finale. 

"That was a real highlight for me."

 Part of the job of being a regional police officer is to see the community go through tough times. 

"The bushfires in 2013 had a major impact on the community. Just seeing the resilience and everyone come together to support each other, that was something that's stuck in my mind."

As the district commander in Richmond, Superintendent Tanner now has his hands full managing the strategic operations of Ballina, Lismore, and Casino. 

"You get to have more of a strategic view of how things operate and you certainly interact with a whole different levels of government and community." 

A major focus for Superintendent Tanner is preventing domestic violence. 

"I spend a lot of time focusing on domestic violence. It's an insidious plague."

"Being a regional police officer, you get to see the effects of domestic violence firsthand."

"I think if you can't be safe at home, where can you be safe?"

Superintendent Tanner looked back on how his approach to policing changed throughout his career. 

"When you're a young constable, all you want to do is go and lock up crooks. As you go through your career, you realise that there's something else there as well."

"It's not just about locking people up. There's got to be some kind of diversion and rehabilitation. I'd rather spend my time and effort at the front end trying to divert young people from crime, rather than wait till they have committed one."

"We’ve gone from being a reactionary police force to focusing on prevention."

During Superintendent Tanner's time in Coonabarabran, he was part of the Burra Bee Dee youth program which encouraged kids to take part in fitness three times a week.

At the end of the season, the kids got to spend time with the NRL Club Players. The goal of the program was to give children a safe space to interact with one another. 

In his free time, Superintendent Tanner likes to travel and spend time with his family. He is excited to be expecting his first grandchild any day now.