WA Police Force Recognition of Excellence Awards

Brilliance in Policing Award

Selected from the Recognition of Excellence winners by the Commissioner of Police Col Blanch APM:

Individual winner - Senior Constable Gemma Pick

Detective Senior Constable Gemma Pick led the investigation of Operation BILBAO, which uncovered drugging and sexual offences against nine young women by one offender.

Her careful management, use of new forensic techniques, and strong support for the victims contributed to the accused being found unanimously guilty and receiving a 15-year prison sentence.

The investigation also led to the introduction of new drink spiking test kits for the public and strengthened the WA Police Force’s stance on sex crimes.

Team winner - Anywhere Communications Project

The Anywhere Communications Project is a large-scale, multi-division initiative delivering high-speed satellite connectivity to frontline police operating across Regional Western Australia.

Involving teams from across the Technology portfolio, the project has successfully installed satellite systems in over 130 vehicles, upgraded 107 police stations, and distributed 26 portable Starlink kits, significantly improving officer safety, communication, and access to critical systems in remote areas.

Through outstanding collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, this project is transforming operational capability in the most isolated parts of the state.

Metropolitan Award

Team winner - Joondalup Detectives Rapid High Harm Offender Response

The Joondalup Detectives RHHOR Team led a fast-moving and complex investigation after a violent home invasion in Girrawheen, where offenders impersonating police officers assaulted an elderly couple and stole a large quantity of gold and jewellery.

Through outstanding investigative work, the team identified and charged six offenders within weeks, executed eight search warrants, and recovered much of the stolen property.

Their professionalism, tenacity, and commitment to supporting the victims earned them a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and demonstrated the highest standards of policing under intense public and media scrutiny.

Regional WA Award

Individual winner - Constable Zachary Wyatt

Constable Zachary Wyatt is a dedicated police officer who served the Moora community, recognised for his proactive efforts to combat illicit substances and return stolen property to rightful owners.

He was nominated for his initiative in organising multiple raids that led to significant drug seizures, charges, and pending court cases. His work has made Moora safer, reducing drug-related incidents and improving community trust and safety.

Team winner - Constable Ebony Seale and Senior Constable Travis McDiarmid (Roebourne Police Station)

In May 2024, Constable Ebony Searle and her partner Acting Sergeant Travis McDiarmid responded to a vehicle crash in Roebourne where they bravely rescued a man who was on fire, pulling him from the flames and performing CPR until paramedics arrived.

Despite the man later passing away, their quick actions gave him a chance to be transferred to hospital, earning praise from both the WA Police Force and St John Ambulance staff.

Together, they showed exceptional courage and embodied the WA Police Force’s values of duty, integrity, teamwork and care.

State Award

Individual winner - Senior Constable Gemma Pick

Detective Senior Constable Gemma Pick led the investigation of Operation BILBAO, which uncovered drugging and sexual offences against nine young women by one offender.

Her careful management, use of new forensic techniques, and strong support for the victims contributed to the accused being found unanimously guilty and receiving a 15-year prison sentence.

The investigation also led to the introduction of new drink spiking test kits for the public and strengthened the WA Police Force’s stance on sex crimes.

Team winner - Cold Case Investigations Squad

The Cold Case Investigation Squad, including Detective Investigators, the Investigative Genetic Genealogy cell, and the Operational and Tactical Intelligence cell, played a pivotal role in solving a 1991 aggravated sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old victim.

Through advanced genetic genealogy and meticulous intelligence work, the team identified and arrested a suspect after nearly 33 years, restoring the victim’s faith in the justice system.

Their efforts not only led to the prosecution of a previously unidentified offender but also safeguarded the community from further harm and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to victim support and justice.

Lance Martin Technology Award

Awarded in honour of Commander Lance Martin:

Individual winner - Senior Sergeant Cameron Johnson

Senior Sergeant Cameron Johnson was nominated for his outstanding work developing a new Sudden Death application aimed at reducing the time officers spend attending jobs, saving tens of thousands of frontline hours annually.

Senior Sergeant Johnson used his expertise in Coronial matters and Power Apps skills to create a mobile app that cuts the processing time from an average of five hours to just two.

The app was successfully trialled starting in May 2024, received positive feedback, and has now been rolled out across the entire agency.

Team winner - Anywhere Communications Project

The Anywhere Communications Project is a large-scale, multi-division initiative delivering high-speed satellite connectivity to frontline police operating across Regional Western Australia.

Involving teams from across the Technology portfolio, the project has successfully installed satellite systems in over 130 vehicles, upgraded 107 police stations, and distributed 26 portable Starlink kits, significantly improving officer safety, communication, and access to critical systems in remote areas.

Through outstanding collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, this project is transforming operational capability in the most isolated parts of the state.

Agency Services And Development Award

Individual winner - Sergeant Randall Worthington

Sergeant Randall Worthington is a dedicated Drill Sergeant at the Joondalup Police Academy, known for shaping recruits into skilled, ethical officers through strong leadership and mentorship.

He was nominated for his outstanding contribution to recruit training and for establishing and leading the police ceremonial team, which has become a key part of the department’s public presence.

His work has left a lasting impact on both new officers and the broader community, earning him wide respect within the force.

Team winner - Firearms Buyback Team

The Firearm Buyback Team successfully delivered Western Australia’s first state-wide firearm buyback program, collecting and safely disposing of over 38,000 firearms and providing $15 million in compensation.

Their work involved the development of innovative IT systems, safety training modules, and operational procedures that enabled real-time processing, secure handling, and timely payments, even in remote areas using satellite technology.

The team's efforts not only ensured the program's success but also set a new standard for firearm safety and project delivery within the WA Police Force.

Minister's Award For Community Confidence

Selected from the Recognition of Excellence Finalists by the Honourable Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Police; Road Safety; Tourism; Great Southern:

Metropolitan team winner - Cannington Police Station

The team at Cannington Police Station demonstrated exceptional compassion and community spirit when they came together to support a local family facing hardship.

After learning about a young boy, Brayden, who was grieving the loss of his older sister to Batten Disease and coping with his younger sister’s terminal diagnosis, the team rallied behind an idea initiated by Sergeant Hayley Worland.

Together with Sergeant Evan Jackson and his charity, the team arranged funding and spent a full day, volunteering their own time, to build, paint, and assemble a cubby house to give Brayden a quiet space of his own.

Their collective effort provided comfort to a family in need and reinforced the important role police play in caring for their community.

Regional team winner - Fitzroy Crossing Police Station

Fitzroy Crossing Police Station went above and beyond after a local home was vandalised and burgled, not only securing the property and cleaning up the worst of the damage but also showing compassion and support to the victims.

Their actions helped the affected family feel safe enough to return to the town, restored their faith in the community, and led to the apprehension of some offenders.

Beyond this incident, they actively support local youth engagement and work with the Education Department to improve staff safety and community relations in Fitzroy Crossing. 

These awards provide an opportunity for the acknowledgment and appreciation of their extraordinary commitment to providing trusted and valued policing for the WA community.

2024 winners announced!

Brilliance in Policing Award

Individual

• Detective Sergeant Annette Herod

Team

• Kellerberrin Police Station

Metropolitan Award

Community recognition

Individual winner

• Detective Senior Constable Daniel SNEDDON

Team winner

• Perth Detectives

Operational Achievement

Individual winner

• Sergeant Dan TORDOFF

Team winner

• Tactical Response Group

Regional Award

Community Recognition

Individual winner

• Sergeant Lee BURGESS

Team winner

• Kununurra Community Liaison Officers

Operational Achievement

Individual winner

• Sergeant Andrew GALBRAITH

Team winner

• Kellerberrin Police Station

Agency Services & Development Award

Corporate Recognition

Individual winner

• Jeff HUMPLEBY

Corporate Recognition

Team winner

• Office of Information Management

Operational Achievement

Individual winner

• Senior Constable Dave PERT

Team winner

• Interagency Access - Family Court

State Award

Community Recognition

Individual winner

• Sergeant Jennie JANNINGS

Team winner

• Sex Crime Division

Operational Achievement

Individual winner

• Detective Sergeant Annette HEROD

Team winner

• Child Exploitation Operations

Technology Award

Innovation Recognition

Team winner

• Family Violence Division

Operational Achievement

Team winner

• Infrastructure Operations and Radio Electronic Services