Former cop still doing duty

FOR most people Crime Stoppers is a phone number.

A confidential and anonymous link to police that people can use to provide our men and women in blue with information that could help solve crimes.

John Harris is more than just a phone number — he is one of the many faces behind Crime Stoppers.

He’s a retired detective inspector with about four decades of policing under his belt and yesterday he jumped in his four-wheel drive and headed to Cooktown to put his extensive investigative skills back to work.

His goal is to help police solve the mystery of Donna Steele’s death.

He knows that the longer time goes on, the harder it will be to find answers.

Mr Harris has a simple but effective plan — he’s going to work closely with the team already on the ground while engaging in grassroots policing; talk to as many people as he can in 10 days.

The death of Ms Steele has been a huge strain on the community.

The town’s issues with drugs has been raised many times and has cast a shadow.

Cooktown is one of those places that is on most Queenslanders’, if not Australians’ travel bucket list.

With its rich history, rugged terrain and fantastic fishing, Cooktown has much to offer.

Mr Harris is a determined ex-cop who has never lost the fire in his belly to solve crimes.

He’s joining police who have thrown extensive resources into finding out what happened to Ms Steele.

It’s now up to those who live there to reach out and tell them everything they know, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Jennifer Spilsbury Editor