It’s been a massive 24 months for the police, with a number of serious crimes shocking the community.

Hearing stories of crime can make you feel like you live in a dangerous place.

But as Tasmania Police often reiterate – it’s a small percentage of the population who commit serious crimes.

You only have to look at a court list to see there are many minor offences – speeding, drink-driving, failure to wear a seatbelt and minor drug charges.

However, those charges are just as important in community safety.

In fact breaching road rules can prove the most deadly to the majority of people living in our community.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said on Tuesday, in relation to police clearance rates, that Tasmania has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

Beyond tackling crime, he also talked about the role of police in making every day people feel safe in their own community and the importance of a high-visibility police presence.

Recently, here at The Examiner, we told the story of a Launceston police officer’s act of kindness. Constable Dave Simpson purchased lunch and a coffee, but more importantly had a conversation with a young homeless man outside of a cafe.

He did so after asking himself if he had made a positive impact on that man’s life.

This story was picked up by media across the country.

The actions of Constable Simpson exemplify what we expect of police – for them to be role models.

Tasmania Police is always quick to explain that children should not be taught to fear the uniform. Parents are encouraged to not tell children the police will come if they are being naughty.

Police should be a sign of safety. They should be approachable.

We are lucky here in Northern Tasmania to have a district of officers who are focused on the grassroots of their job as well as the high-profile and heinous crimes.