Nathan Johnston may have worked across the state since joining Tasmania Police in 2004, but the Dilston-born officer has always considered Launceston to be his home.

The freshly promoted inspector recently left behind a role in the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch to tackle one of the state's busiest police districts - the North.

Clocking up 17 years in the force this month, he started his career in Launceston as a constable, before being stationed at George Town, Bridport, and Devonport - working in uniform, CIB, and the Family Violence Unit.

In his previous role at Devonport, he was heavily involved in operations that targeted outlaw motorcycle gangs.

And during that stint, he was briefly called away to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Managing the western police operation centre, he travelled from Launceston to Burnie daily during the peak of the pandemic, and during the outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital.

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While he enjoyed emergency management, and solving crime more broadly, being part of a community was what made his job worthwhile.

And that passion for the community was something he planned to bring into his new role, having already met with the City of Launceston Council in hopes of building stronger relationships between police on the ground, and members of the public.

"I want to try and build a collaborative network, and work with the City of Launceston, and other government agencies ... we all know crime issues are social issues as well," he said.

"I guess it is about strengthening the city as a whole, and not just trying to go at it alone."

The inspector role was not just about keeping the public safe, but police on the frontline as well. And it was the ability to support his fellow officers that motivated him to take on this latest challenge.

"I recently helped in Launceston in district support services as acting inspector, and I got to help some people transition back into the workplace, and saw some real value in the rank of inspector," he explained.

"I have always been operational, and enjoyed the frontline, but doing that role was the first time I thought 'actually I can help the guys out on the road, make their lives easier, reduce their fatigue, reduce their stress'.

"So my focus now is the wellbeing of my members, in the Launceston Division, and the Northern District."

While the district had experienced a recent spike in firearms-related crime, total offences were down.

And Inspector Johnston said it remained a safe place to live.

But he acknowledged being safe, and feeling safe, were two different things.

He said his officers would continue to focus on foot patrols, particularly in Launceston's CBD, targeting public place assaults, hoon drivers, and general public order.

"I understand the value in high-visibility patrols, and that is why when you see me walking around, I don't wear a jacket, I am in uniform, and visible."

High-visibility policing was also about breaking down barriers between officers and the public.

That included continuing to work with communities such as the Northern suburbs, to try and reduce the stigma.

And it was something Tasmania Police was already doing well, Inspector Johnston said.

"There are a lot of really good people in those communities," he said.

"The work the Newnham police do to build up that community, and the work Annabel Shegog in community policing does with Neighbourhood Watch is amazing.

"They are the areas and organisations I want to continue to engage with."

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