Every year, the WA Police Force recognises outstanding people who go above and beyond in their roles. The Recognition of Excellence Awards are more than a pat on the back, they highlight officers and teams who lead by example, support their colleagues, and make a genuine difference in the community. This year’s winners are shining examples of the people you could work alongside when you join the WA Police Force.
Senior Constable Gemma Pick from the Sex Crime Division and the Anywhere Communications Project Team took home the Brilliance in Policing Award. Senior Constable Pick’s leadership of Operation BILBAO uncovered drugging and sexual offences against nine young women. Her innovative forensic work and compassionate approach led to a unanimous guilty verdict and a 15-year sentence. She also helped introduce public drink-spiking test kits. The Technology Portfolio’s Anywhere Communications Project Team transformed communications by rolling out low-Earth orbit satellite systems. With more than 130 police vehicles equipped, 107 stations upgraded, and 26 portable Starlink kits deployed, their work has boosted safety and connectivity for officers in remote WA.
Constable Ebony Seale and Senior Constable Travis McDiarmid from Roebourne Police Station received the Regional WA Award after rescuing a man engulfed in flames following a vehicle crash, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Although he later died, their actions gave him the chance of survival and embodied the WA Police values of duty, integrity, teamwork, and care. The Cold Case Investigation Squad’s Forensic Division earned the State Award for solving a 1991 aggravated sexual assault using advanced genetic-genealogy techniques—bringing justice after nearly 33 years.
The Lance Martin Technology Award went to Senior Sergeant Cameron Johnson from the Ethical Standards Division, who created the Sudden Death mobile app, cutting coroner-related job times from five hours to two and saving tens of thousands of frontline hours. Senior Sergeant Johnson said, “My background is a Certificate II in retail, to come into the police force and then be able to design an app, that’s amazing. I would say to anyone wanting to join the WA Police Force, there’s opportunity, you can do anything.” Other winners include Sergeant Randall Worthington from the WA Police Academy, whose dedication to training and ceremonial leadership has left a lasting impact.
Commissioner Col Blanch summed it up, “They don’t do it for recognition. They step up because someone needs to step up.” These stories show the variety of roles and pathways within the WA Police Force and how meaningful and rewarding the work can be. If you’re ready to make a difference, start your application today.