The annual WA Police Force Recognition of Excellence Awards celebrate the Officers, Staff and teams who go above and beyond in their roles, leading by example and making a genuine difference to the community. From frontline response to specialist investigation to community-facing roles, this year's award winners reflect just how many different paths a career with WA Police Force can take.
Hosted last Friday at Optus Stadium, the Recognition of Excellence Awards saw shining examples of the diverse skills and shared commitment to keeping the community safe within the WA Police Force, with a variety of roles and pathways recognised.
Senior Sergeant Dan Clark was the recipient of the Brilliance in Policing Individual Award, as well as the Metropolitan Individual Award, following his decisive work and calm, rational leadership as the Police Forward Commander during the 2026 Invasion Day bombing attempt in Forrest Chase, Perth, preventing a serious terror event and the loss of lives. It's this kind of high-stakes, fast-thinking leadership that defines a career on the tactical and command pathway.
The Fitzroy Crossing Police Station were the recipients of the Brilliance in Policing Team Award and the Regional Team Award, reflecting their hard work policing one of the most expansive and remote policing areas in WA. By prioritising transparency, cultural respect and consistent engagement, Fitzroy Crossing Police have strengthened community trust, reduced youth crime, promoted safety across the region and empowered local communities to take ownership of solutions that create lasting positive change. Their work is a powerful example of what's possible for officers who choose a regional policing pathway, where the impact on a community can be felt directly and immediately.
Senior Constable Oliver Taylor was the recipient of the State Individual Award, for his relentless dedication and exceptional skill in investigating serious offences against children, consistently pursuing offenders through complex and intrusive investigations to protect vulnerable victims. His work reflects the dedication required on the specialist investigations pathway, one of the most demanding and important roles within the Force.
The team behind Operation Aground, the Major Crash Investigation Unit, were the recipients of the State Team Award, acknowledging their efforts in resolving the stalled 2020 hit-and-run cold case and leading to successful prosecution through advanced CCTV analysis, ANPR data, telecommunications intelligence and strategic public engagement. Their result shows the kind of meticulous, technology-driven work that defines a career in crash and major crime investigation.
For the Metropolitan Team Award, Midland Detectives were acknowledged for their efforts in January 2026, where they conducted a detailed and time critical investigation into the theft of a firearm safe containing 12 firearms, posing a serious risk to community safety, that led to the arrest of six offenders and recovery of all missing firearms, as well as additional weapons, drugs, cash and vehicles. It's a clear demonstration of the detective career pathway in action, and the difference fast, sharp investigative work can make.
The Regional Individual Award saw Senior Sergeant Scott Starke be acknowledged, honouring his strong and steady leadership of the Australind Police Station that led to significant improvements across the station, seeing strengthened performance and confidence among a motivated and cohesive team. His leadership is a reflection of the incredible Officers leading the way in regional WA, providing the space for teams to grow and flourish.
Meaningful and rewarding work comes in many different forms at the WA Police Force – these are just a few of the ways Officers, Staff and teams are making an impact.
Whether it's tactical leadership, regional policing, specialist investigations, technology, or community engagement that speaks to you, there's a pathway at WA Police Force that fits. Explore the career path that matches your strengths. Join the Team today.
