Doing chores outside his sole-charge station in Haast this past year has led West Coast cop Paul Gurney to make two international police friends.

New Police Commissioner Andy Coster says police are putting in an “awesome” performance in the lockdown and he feels privileged to step in as their commissioner at this time.

Frontline police settled into their role policing level 4 once their operating instructions became clear, and their worries for the safety of themselves and their families were eased.

Rammings are increasing year on year as offenders target police in their vehicles, putting lives at risk and causing millions of dollars in damage.

This column is written by a frontline police member. It does not represent the views or policies of the Police Association.