By Casey Neill
“PLEASE continue doing what you’re doing. That’s what will deliver a safer Victoria.”
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill applauded officers from across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong at the Victoria Police Southern Metro Region Division Three award ceremony.
He said the event at Dandenong Civic Centre on Tuesday 4 October was an important one for Victoria Police.
“These award ceremonies recognise the diligent and ethical service of our members,” he said.
He said he was pleased to see so many partners and children in the room.
“I am heartened to see friends and family present here today; your loved ones who support you so well in performing your role,” he said.
Mr Hill said police in the south-east were experiencing challenges consistent with other growth corridors across the state.
“That being said, we cannot lose sight of the great work our police do in keeping the community safe,” he said.
“We’re meeting those challenges and demands head-on.”
He said the recently released crime statistics did provide some insight.
“We must also be cognisant of the fact that crime data also reflects the good work of our people,” he said.
“It includes detected crime relating to family violence interventions and drug-related crime.”
Mr Hill urged the police present to be proud of the fact they were members of Victoria Police and based in the Southern Metro Region.
“We are seen as leaders in delivering effective police service. Taskforce Tense and Operation Regarder are just two examples,” he said.
Division Three Commander Inspector Paul Hollowood presented Divisional Commendations to four individuals and a group, and a Letter of Appreciation to a member of the public.
The letter to Noble Park man Aaron Yates recognised his “outstanding assistance and contribution in apprehending a violent and aggressive offender at Dandenong on 8 September 2016”.
Senior Constable Jay Allen received her commendation for “expressing sincere compassion and genuine concern for a victim of prolonged family violence” in Narre Warren on 13 June.
Nabbing more than 400 criminals in 15 months earned Sergeant Hafiz Mayar and his Greater Dandenong Response and Tasking Unit team a Divisional Commendation.
The Dandenong-based Alcohol Diversion Program has engaged 39 people, accounted for $600,000 in unpaid fines and cut drunk and disorderly offences by about 30 per cent.
Spearheads Senior Sergeant Frank Bodor and Senior Constable Elyse Mason were honoured for their efforts.
Insp Hollowood also awarded police from across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia National Medals, National Police Service Medals, Victoria Police Service Medals and several service clasps.
Sergeant Chris Marlow received a 40-year clasp and Sergeant Kenneth Martin a 35-year clasp.
