For more then 20 years a Douglas Shire detective has diligently served and protected the region.

Whether it’s investigating heinous crimes, locking up bad guys, or just maintaining law and order it’s fair to say Detective Sergeant Trevor Perham has represented the Shire with complete distinction.

As this story gets published detective Perham will have put his blue vest on for the final time, signifying the start of a well-deserved retirement.

Such is his humble and private nature Detective Perham was initially hesitant to speak publicly about his career – after all this is a man who’d rather let his work speak for him.

Nonetheless, after some gentle convincing he agreed to chat with Newsport for this exclusive insight into what has been a wonderful career.

MW: Michael Warren

TP: Trevor Perham

MW: Detective, 20 years of memories, what’s at the top of the list as you call it a day?

TP: Over the years there has been thousands of adventures to recall and think about.

Whenever things go pear shaped in society or the community, we get called to attend. We get drawn like a magnet to hotspots, we accumulate over time memories of extraordinary incidents.

From bank robberies to people being killed in unusual circumstances, to a lot of trauma and tragic cases, i’ve investigated the lot – in between the difficult cases there’s also been a lot of success stories as well.

MW: What has proved the most rewarding aspect over the past 20 years of the job?

TP: I’m a criminal investigator by trade. When I look back historical sex offence crimes and in particular, sex offences committed against children, they’ve proved very challenging.

What sets them aside for me is the reality of the human cost. Those offences destroy lives and change people forever, it’s so humbling for me that when I meet them - they have the strength to confide in me.

To have people tell me their horror stories of what was done to them years before and then I embark on a mission to gather sufficient evidence to prove an offence that happened 20, 30 or 40 years ago.

When we have wins with those sorts of cases… those are probably the most rewarding types of experiences I’ve had. Hearing people tell me they’ve now got closure – that’s very rewarding.

MW: What’s proved some of the more baffling, fascinating cases in the Douglas Shire that have literally kept you awake at night?

TP: A case I always continue to think about is the unsolved disappearance of Joanne Butterfield.

Joanne went missing from the Douglas Shire in the late 90s.

I inherited this case after being promoted to the Mossman CIB in 2001. It was a cold case back then, then I re-opened it, and since then this case has never been put to bed, so to speak.

We’ve never found her, until we do this case will remain unsolved. Finding Joanne has always been something that’s been on my priority list. I desperately wanted to find Joanne before I retire, (but the) reality is some cases will never be solved.

MW: What will you miss most about being a seasoned detective?

TP: The friendships, the excitement, there wouldn’t be too many streets in the Douglas shire that I couldn’t tell you what’s behind a door.

A detective’s role is challenging and fast paced and that I will miss.

I won’t however, miss the pressure that comes with this role. Over the years I’ve told victims and families of horrendous crimes I won’t stop until a particular person is apprehended or a case is solved and I’m fortunate in a lot of instances I’ve been able to deliver on that promise.

MW: Detective, this is a very simple question, that’s quite multi faceted in its meaning – in simple terms, after all you’ve seen and heard in this job, are people good?

TP: There has been a lot of times I have doubted the quality of the human race. I’ve got to say (at times) my faith was rocked. In saying that we get a disproportionate view of the human race and society in this position.

You’re at the epicentre of bad things in this role and we get presented the negative side of life repeatedly and that does start to affect you over time. However, I know that isn’t reflective of people and society, so I keep reminding myself of that. I can tell you 100% that people are generally good.

MW: Detective, what’s your parting message to the people of the Douglas Shire you’ve proudly served for more than 20 years?

TP: I’ve enjoyed this job for two decades now thanks to the community’s support. I would encourage and ask that the community continues this support towards both members of both the Port Douglas police station and Mossman police stations.

Without the good relationship we have with Douglas Shire community members we can’t effectively do our jobs. Thanks to everyone for their support.

MW: Lastly detective, what now? Put the feet up? Travel?

TP: We camp and fish a lot. There will be some travel, there’s also some jobs on the list at home to get through. We love the Douglas Shire and won’t be moving anywhere, anytime soon.