A significant change in police leadership is underway in the Limestone Coast Region as Superintendent Trent Cox has been appointed as the new Officer in Charge. This announcement from a spokesperson for South Australia Police (SAPOL) confirmed that Supt Cox will begin his duties in the community within the coming weeks.
Supt Cox succeeds Cheryl Jones, who made history as the first female to hold this role based in Mount Gambier. She took on the position in 2023 and has been instrumental in community policing efforts during her tenure.
With a career spanning over 34 years, Supt Cox has dedicated nearly half of his professional life to roles as a commissioned officer. His extensive experience includes leadership positions in various units such as the Special Crimes Investigation Branch, the Family and Domestic Violence Unit, the Protective Security Services Branch, and the Media and Public Engagement Branch. This diverse background positions him well for the challenges ahead as he takes charge of the approximately 100 officers in the region.
In the interim, Senior Sergeant First Class Nick Patterson currently serves as the Acting Superintendent of the Limestone Coast Local Service Area. Patterson has led the Mount Gambier Police for the past five years and has been a familiar face in the region for nearly two decades, with previous postings at the Beachport and Millicent stations.
The transition in leadership reflects a commitment to maintaining effective police oversight and community engagement in the Limestone Coast area. As Superintendent Cox prepares to step into his new role, both he and Acting Superintendent Patterson will be crucial in continuing the momentum of police operations and community relations in this vibrant region of South Australia.
