2024 Public Advocate Awards for Outstanding Police Service to People with Disability

The Public Advocate Awards for Outstanding Police Service 2024 were held on 3 December 2024 on International Day of People with Disabilities.

The awards commend police members and stations across the state for their outstanding service to Victorians with disability. 

The Acting Public Advocate, Daniel Leighton, hosted the event alongside Victoria Police. 

Ben Bodna Award

The 2024 Ben Bodna Award for Exceptional Leadership in Support of People with Disabilities went to Leading Senior Constable Timothy Schnepf for his commitment and resolve in pursuing an investigation into an accused taxi drivers’ offences against numerous passengers with disability.

In July 2023, a taxi driver was detected driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. The accused had just driven and dropped off passengers with disability to a workplace in the Southeast of Melbourne.

Leading Senior Constable Timothy Schnepf subsequently reviewed the CCTV from within the taxi as he drove passengers with disability and despite being a State Highway Patrol member, assigned with road safety duties – Leading Senior Constable Timothy Schnepf undertook an extraordinary investigation, resulting in identifying 652 charges, with court proceeding commencing this week.

Outstanding Police Service to People with Disability

Sergeant Alex Wallace

Sergeant Alex Wallace was awarded the Public Advocate Award for Outstanding Police Service to People with Disability for his commitment and support of the ITP program over many years. His assistance through both training and assessment has not only contributed to the overall success of new inductees coming through the program but has also assisted many people with disability in their access to justice.

Sergeant Wallace's willingness to go above and beyond in his interactions with our volunteers has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the Independent Third Person program. His approachability, empathy, and proactive engagement have created a positive environment that fosters trust and cooperation.

Independent Third Person Program Awards

Sunshine Station and Shepparton Station and SOCIT were awarded for their use of the Independent Third Persons program to support people with disability through police processes.

Sunshine Police Station

The Metropolitan Police Station award went to Sunshine Police Station.

The nomination stated:

'the officers I have dealt with at Sunshine have been totally supportive of me and my role as an ITP and appreciative of the role we play.'

Shepparton Station and SOCIT

The Regional Police Station award went to Shepparton Station and SOCIT. 

In their nominations, the ITPs mentioned that officers at Shepparton Police Station and SOCIT unit always look out for the ITPs and ensure they are comfortable and safe. One ITP noted First Constable Chelsea Williams and Sergeant Josh McCabe as always going above and beyond to support clients in any way they can. One ITP noted that Shepparton SOCIT unit are very well trained and understanding of the stressful and daunting experience it can be for ITP clients. The ITP said ‘I am very happy to work beside them as an ITP.'

2024 Certificates of Commendation for police work with Victorians with disability

Inspector Greg Hinton

• For his work as co-chair of the Victoria Police Enablers Network and for developing new protocols to support his colleagues with disability focussing on access and inclusion.

Inspector Sam Groves and Keiran Williams of the Northwest Metro Community Engagement Team

• For their instrumental effort in the rollout of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to all Proactive Policing Unit members.

Sergeant Genevieve Kolmus

• For her passion and dedication to bridging the gap between the deaf and hard of hearing community and Victoria Police by improving police ability to engage effectively during emergencies. 

Inspector Peta Billing

• For leading a Rotary project in collaboration with Expression Australia which focuses on developing cue cards for members to use when interacting with people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Keith Richardson, Detective Senior Constable Benjamin Prince and Detective Senior Constable Alana Downie of East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit.

• For their outstanding support of an Aboriginal client with severe cognitive impairment. The ITP said the interview really stood out to them as best practice and a refreshing positive encounter for the client and their sister who was also present.

Horsham Police Station

• For the respectful and friendly demeanour of all Horsham officers who also have a good understanding of client needs. The ITP noted that Horsham are always grateful for the presence of ITPs and make every effort to ensure safety. 

Constable Aaron Fanning of Moe Police Station

• For the outstanding job he did taking a victim’s statement whilst he was still in training. He was very patient with the client and made them comfortable throughout the whole process. Constable Fanning also used his bike repair skills to fix the client’s push bike so they could ride home safely.