Western Australia’s new top cop has promised to focus more on the welfare of police officers and increase numbers in the force, as he begins his term as Chris Dawson’s replacement.

Giving his first interview to Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast as the new Commissioner of the WA Police force, Col Blanch said he was very fortunate to have had good mentors and is looking forward to the next five years in the job.

“The important thing for me is to really talk to the troops and see what’s keeping them motivated in the job, what keeps them energised, making sure they love their job as I do, and the police are there and ready to serve the community,” he said on Tuesday.

“I’ve started on my first week, I’ve been down in the Mandurah district, I went out to the Wheatbelt.”

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