Guest Speaker Report
Wednesday 18 August 2010
by Rotarian Ian Johnson (reporter)
Our guest speaker was Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione. The Commissioner was introduced by PP Doug Potter.
The Commissioner told us that he attends many awards nights during the year and that he found our Club’s award night to be friendly and warm. He said that it was a privilege to be in the company of serving officers and their families and friends. He was pleased that the night was so well attended and this was indicative of the level of support from the community for the police. The Commissioner advised us that the first state wide Police Officer of the Year Awards would be presented on 13 November 2010.
The Commissioner said that like Rotary the principle of “service above self” was a foundation block for the police force. Police face challenges in their jobs every day and do need the ongoing support of their family, friends and the community.
The Commissioner then noted some of the current activities of the police in the local command areas. In Burwood police are meeting with representatives of the local Chinese, Korean and South Asian communities to hear of their concerns so that they may be addressed. In Flemington the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer has arranged open days to promote the services available and to promote greater reporting of this insidious crime.
The Commissioner noted that the future will throw up fresh challenges which he is confident the force will be able to meet with the support of the community it serves.
In conclusion the Commissioner congratulated the nominees and wished them well for the future. The Commissioner was thanked by PP Terry Rohan.
The Commissioner then presented the Police Officer of the Year awards. The winners were:
- Burwood Area Command- Detective Senior Constable Denise Bozikis
- Flemington Area Command- Detective Senior Constable Michael Egan.