IT’S A NEW ROAD FOR COP’S CAREER
alarming and highlighted an issue with drugs in the region. In comparison, 60 people were nabbed for drink-driving — with a mix of low, mid and high-range readings.
“What a lot of people don’t understand is that the drugs will remain in your system for days and even weeks,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said.
“So somebody who is an illicit drugs user might use the drugs and think the next day or a few hours later that they are OK to drive when they are not. You’re not driving to your full capabilities and sensibility.”
Sen-Sgt Wilson said it was still too early to tell if new laws introduced in May, under which drivers who blow 0.05 or over automatically lose their licence, were having the desired deterrent effect. FORMER drug squad detective Gary Wilson has taken the reins at Geelong Highway Patrol and is determined to ensure members are proactive and involved with the community.
The senior sergeant joined the force in 1993 and spent most of the past 15 years working as a detective.
Until two months ago he had worked as a Criminal Investigation Unit detective in Melbourne for six years, focusing on curbing drug distribution and supply.
Now he is focused on ensuring Geelong’s roads remain safe for all drivers and pedestrians.
“I was in the crime department as a detective sergeant of the drug taskforce for the past six years,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said.
“In that time I was concentrating on drug activity and large scale drug traffickers in Victoria.”
Sen-Sgt Wilson’s focus was interfering with largescale drug activity and driving legislation. He said the chance to step away from a drug-focused role and engage more directly with general community from a prevention perspective appealed to him.
“The opportunity to step away from being a detective and into a more community role was really appealing,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said.
“It’s obviously very different — so it’s good from a personal perspective but also to be able to be a part of the community I live in and assist the community.”
The Geelong-based father is already driving new initiatives that see police rosters developed to ensure road trauma hot spots are patrolled at their most dangerous times.