Western Australia Police Force and Channel Nine Perth are excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards.
Introduced in a joint partnership between the WA Police Force and Channel Nine Perth in 2014, the Awards provide recognition to police officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to service excellence to the people of Western Australia. The Awards comprise a police team category and an individual police officer category.
The nominations received highlight that police work is both varied and challenging. Nominations were received by both community members and members of the WA Police Force to acknowledge the fantastic work of not only an individual police officer or team, but policing in general.
This year, 136 quality nominations were received across both categories, with 55 individual officers and 31 police teams being recognised, many receiving multiple nominations.
The awards are judged by a panel comprising senior police and sponsor representatives. Judging criteria includes excellence in a policing role, the core WA Police Force values of duty, teamwork, integrity and care, as well as the extent to which nominations raise the public's confidence in policing.
The winner of the individual award receives a $5,000 prize, whilst the two finalists each receive a $1,000 prize courtesy of sponsor P&N Bank. The winning team receives a $5,000 prize, whilst the two finalists each receive a $1,000 award to be spent on team development courtesy of sponsor Nine News Perth.
The WA Police Force would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a police officer or police team.
The winners will be announced at a breakfast event at Crown Perth on Thursday 5 December 2019.
The Awards are sponsored by Channel Nine Perth, Crown Perth, P&N Bank and 6PR.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)
Sergeant Shelley MARKLEW – South Hedland Police Station – Community Engagement Team
Multiple nominations were received for Sergeant Shelley Marklew, all of which acknowledged her dedication to increasing school attendance and reducing family violence within the South Hedland community. The trusted relationships she has developed have led to increased reporting of family violence incidents and increased public confidence in the local police team. Sergeant Marklew has also led a joint agency initiative resulting in almost 1,400 additional school attendance days this year, and a significant reduction in youth offending.
Senior Constable Deslea SLOAN – Major Crash Investigation - State Traffic
As a Major Crash Investigation Coronial Officer, Senior Constable Deslea Sloan is the direct point of contact for all families following the tragic, sudden and unexpected death of a loved one from road trauma. Not only has Senior Constable Sloan been commended for the genuine compassion, care and sensitivity she displays in this role, but also her commitment to go above and beyond what is expected of her as she supports grieving families through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Senior Sergeant Justin TARASINSKI – Esperance Police Station (Formerly Laverton Police Station) Goldfields-Esperance District
Senior Sergeant Justin Tarasinski has been recognised for his significant contribution to reducing crime and antisocial behaviour amongst youth within the Laverton community. Senior Sergeant Tarasinski initiated a football program where youth were rewarded for school attendance and positive social behaviour by participating in a weekly trip to Kambalda to play football. The 820km return trip was made every weekend by Senior Sergeant Tarasinski and a small group of dedicated volunteers. The program continues to grow and now involves more than 50 Aboriginal youth from local communities.
POLICE TEAM CATEGORY FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)
Derby Police Station – Kimberley District
The Derby Police Station team received multiple nominations from local residents praising the team's community spirit and commitment to keeping residents safe in challenging circumstances.
The nominations received for this team consistently praise the teamwork and care shown by the officers at Derby Police Station, highlighting their prompt and professional manner when dealing with serious incidents in the town. The exemplary service displayed by the police officers, detectives and police staff in Derby has instilled a strong sense of public confidence and has been highly commended by the community.
Midland Family Violence Team – Midland District
The Midland Family Violence Team has been praised for its commitment to proactively improving outcomes for victims of family violence. The team received several nominations from local support agencies highlighting the personal care that is shown to each individual case and the cultural sensitivity and understanding the officers have used to adapt their policing methods. The team has achieved some extremely positive outcomes within the last twelve months, dramatically reducing family violence incidents and police attendance statistics within the community.
Taskforce Newstead – Organised Crime
Taskforce Newstead was formed to investigate an aggravated burglary where an 81-year-old man was kidnapped and 140 handguns and rifles were stolen. The team was made up of officers from various WA Police Force organisational units, brought together under the leadership of the Drug and Firearms squad to conduct the operation. Within five days, the team had recovered all of the stolen firearms and arrested and charged a suspect. The nomination praises the team's ability to work together cohesively and the speed at which the operation was executed, ensuring community safety was not compromised.
