Superintendent Mark Szalajko, the new commander at Green Valley police, has won three Australian titles and three Australasian titles for karate.

``It's come in handy at work a few times,'' Superintendent Szalajko said.

He said he travelled recently to Okinawa, Japan, the home of karate, to compete.

He also teaches the martial art.

``I really enjoy it,'' he said.

Superintendent Szalajko was the commander at the Canobolas police command, near Orange, for four years, but he has spent the majority of his 20 years in policing in south-west Sydney.

``I worked at Fairfield, Cabramatta and Liverpool before that, so I have a lot of experience in this area,'' he said.

``Working in Canobolas was a very different experience from working around here, though it's a very small town and a very close-knit community.

``People there were very friendly and welcoming to police and were willing to help.

``It doesn't happen very often here in Sydney, but there many people would go up to me and shake my hand they were very approachable.''

Superintende nt Szalajko said he was surprised that his new police station was in such good shape after being without a permanent commander for more than a year.

``We're doing quite well with staff and we've just had another four positions created recently, that are yet to be filled.

``It is quite a young station, but everyone works really well together.

``There are a few things that I think we can fix, but nothing major.''

The western Sydney resident said he joined the police to help the community and put ``crooks'' in jail.

``Now that I'm here, I'll be working to study the crime statistics in this area and get to know the community.

``I think its very important, as commander, to be known in the area and to have a good relationship with different community groups.''