New District Commander for Southern region

Detective Superintendent Michael (Mike) Pannett takes up the role of District Commander Southern from January next year.

Mike is currently the New Zealand Police Liaison Officer in Washington D.C, with his region including the United States, Canada, Central and South America. He is a member of the International Chiefs of Police Committee on Terrorism, the International Policing Division Steering Committee and the Committee on Organised Crime. Mike was responsible for security coordination and planning of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games; and his work with our international policing partners was instrumental in the apprehension and return of convicted murderer Phillip John Smith.

Over his 35-year career, Mike has held a number of district and nationally based leadership and operational roles mainly in Northland and Wellington. He was previously the operational head of the National Intelligence Centre controlling day-to-day functions and facilitating intelligence led operational activities. He was also the District Crime Manager and Professional Standards Manager for Northland district, where he oversaw a number of high- profile murder enquiries.

In 2010, Mike was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand Police.

Mike will take up the District Commander role in January 2016. Inspector Jason Guthrie will continue to act in the role until such time.

ENDS

© Scoop Media