Nominations for the 2026 WA Police Force Recognition of Excellence Awards are now open.
The awards are designed to encourage the internal and external recognition of all WA Police Force employees (individuals and teams) and provide an opportunity for the acknowledgment and appreciation of their extraordinary commitment to providing trusted and valued policing for the WA community.
All nominations must be relevant for the period 18 March 2025 to 17 March 2026.
Do you know an individual or team worthy of recognition?
If you know someone who has distinguished themselves through exceptional service, teamwork, innovation or dedication, now is the time to nominate them in one of the five award categories.
WA Police Force employees Level 7 / Inspector rank and above are not eligible to be nominated.
Who judges the nominations?
The rigorous judging process will see nominations delivered to a panel of senior representatives from the WA Police Force. The judging panel will validate the claims and score each entry against a selection of criteria and provide advice on the nominees’ suitability for the awards.
What are we looking for?
Who, what, when, where, how – leave nothing out.
- A clear overview of the investigation
- Who contributed and how
- Key achievements and breakthroughs
- Outcomes (charges, impact, court dates)
- Supporting details such as CAD numbers, briefing notes or BWC
- How the work strengthened safety and community confidence.
How do I nominate?
Please ensure you provide detailed and complete responses to all questions when submitting your nomination. The more information you include, the better the judges can understand the nominee’s achievements and assess their submission.
Detailed nominations are more likely to stand out during the judging process. Incomplete nominations are not eligible for consideration.
Nominations will close 17 March 2026.
Award categories
Metropolitan Award
- Armadale District
- Cannington District
- Fremantle District
- Joondalup District
- Mandurah District
- Midland District
- Mirrabooka District
- Perth District
- Custodial Services & Mental Health Division (Metro)
- Family Violence Division (Metro)
- Community Partnerships & Support (Metro)
- Aboriginal Affairs Division (Metro)
- Licensing Enforcement Division (Metro)
- Property Management Division (Metro)
- Firearm Reform Division (Metro)
- Cultural Engagement & Events Division (Metro)
- Operations Support Projects
Regional Award
- Goldfields-Esperance District
- Great Southern District
- Kimberley District
- Mid West-Gascoyne District
- Pilbara District
- South West District
- Wheatbelt District
- Custodial Services & Mental Health Division (Regional)
- Family Violence Division (Regional)
- Community Partnerships & Support (Regional)
- Aboriginal Affairs Division (Regional)
- Licensing Enforcement Division (Regional)
- Property Management Division (Regional)
- Firearm Reform Division (Regional)
- Cultural Engagement & Events Division (Regional)
- Operations Support Projects
State Award
- Crime Support & Services Division
- Financial & Cyber Crime Division
- Major Crime
- Offender Management Division
- Serious and Organised Crime Division
- Sex Crime Division
- Investigative Standards
- Intelligence Services Division
- Data Science & Analytics
- State Operations Command Division
- Forensic Division
- State Communications Division
- Interagency Collaboration Program
- Road Policing Operations Division
- Road Policing Strategic Division
- Road Policing Research & Projects
- Police Air Wing
- Emergency Management & Specialist Support
- State Protection Division (ROG)
- Tactical Response Group
- Security Operations
- Ethical Standards Division
- Internal Affairs
- Management Audit
- Coronial Inquest Coordination Division
- Prosecuting Services Division
- Legislation & Policy Unit
- Evidence Act (2024) Program
- World Police and Fire Games
Agency Services and Development Award
- Assets Management
- Health, Welfare & Safety Division
- Employee Relations Division
- Personnel Services Division
- Police Academy
- Police Recruitment Deployment & Promotion
- Police Training Practices Division
- Community Engagement
- Corporate Service Management Division
- Business Development
- Information Management
- Information Sharing
- Governance Business Unit
- Financial Accounting & Business Services
- Financial Planning & Evaluation
- Strategic Procurement & Contracts Division
- ERP Business Division
- Police Media Unit
- Media and Content
- Corporate Communications Branch
- WA Police Pipe Band
- Office of the Commissioner
- Workforce
- Strategy Coordination
- Road Safety Commission
Lance Martin Technology Award
- Commercial Management
- Enterprise Security & Risk Management
- ICT Sourcing
- Infrastructure Operations
- Application Management
- Platform & Services
- Radio & Electronic Services
- Innovation
- Program Delivery
- Demand Management & Assurance
Brilliance in Policing Award
Category winners will also have an opportunity to be selected for the ‘Brilliance in Policing Award’ exclusively chosen by the Commissioner and sponsored by P&N Bank.
The sponsorship offers the individual and team recipients a learning or career development experience up to the value of $5,000.
The individual and team winners are committed to promoting collaboration and advocacy for operational requirements and initiatives, whilst demonstrating loyalty to the vision and values of the WA Police Force.
Wheatley-Coulter Crime Reporter Award
The Wheatley -Coulter Crime Reporter award acknowledges the vital role media play in assisting The Western Australia Police Force maintain community confidence and solve crime in our state.
Named in honour of Perth crime reporters Ralph Wheatley and Jack Coulter, who in 1963 through their reporting famously assisted officers in the capture of notorious serial killer Eric Edgar Cooke, the Wheatley-Coulter is the top accolade for crime reporting in the state of Western Australia.
This award is presented annually by a representative from P&N Bank and the Commissioner of the WA Police Force to one winner from each of the below categories:
- Short form
- Long form
- Analysis
Entry is open to any reporter based in Western Australia who has had their work published or broadcast via any platform or medium to a WA audience during a designated 12-month period.*
The judging of entries is based on a number of criteria including public interest, impact, accuracy, objectivity, ethics and storytelling.*
Two independent members of the judging panel are selected annually by a winner of the Lovekin prize, Western Australia’s most prestigious journalism honour. These independent members should have a strong background in crime reporting.
The final judging panel is comprised of:
- Two independent, former WA crime reporters.
- The Director of Media and Corporate Communications for the Western Australia Police Force
Short form
This category acknowledges the importance of timely, accurate news reporting on crime in our community. This category acknowledges public interest, impact, accuracy, objectivity, ethics and storytelling in the pressure cooker environment of breaking news.
Judging criteria:
Public interest, accuracy, timeliness, objectivity, ethics, impact and storytelling.
Long form
This category recognises the importance of longer-form, in-depth reporting on crime in our community. The judges will be looking for unbiased reporting which enhances public understand of complex, nuanced crime types and the police response.
Judging criteria for this award includes public interest, impact, accuracy, objectivity, ethics and nuanced storytelling.
Judging criteria:
In-depth, accurate and nuanced reporting on crime and the police response. Public interest, impact, accuracy, objectivity, ethics, context and nuanced storytelling which enhances community understanding.
Analysis
This category acknowledges the importance of critical thinking and analysis of crime, law enforcement, crime solving and the impact on our WA community.
The judges will be looking for reporting which enhances public awareness of the causes and impacts of crime in our community and a fair and unbiased examination of what law enforcement is doing to keep our community safe.
This category acknowledges the important role critical analysis and context play in creating informed and constructive public debate.
Criteria for this category includes contextual, factual reporting which examines crime trends in WA across months, years or decades, per capita analysis which takes into account factors including population fluctuations, technology and legislative advances or parameters, and assessment of WA crime and crime solving compared with other policing jurisdictions nationally.
Criteria:
This category acknowledges the important role critical analysis and context play in creating informed and constructive public debate around crime in our community.
Factual reporting which uses a wide, unbiased application of statistics to enhance an understanding of crime trends and law enforcement response over months, years and decades. Analysis of police performance and crime impact compared against historical trends and other Australia jurisdictions.
Eligibility
*Entry is open to any reporter based in Western Australia who has had their work published or broadcast via any platform or medium to a WA audience during a designated 12-month period between18 March 2025 and 17 March 2026.
*The judging panel shall hold to the definition of reporter as ‘a person who is engaged in the profession or occupation of journalism’ who through fair and balanced reporting, seeks to further the public interest without fear, favour or agenda.
**The judging panel will be required to reference check each entry before it can proceed. All entries should include a point of contact who can endorse the work carried out. When submitting a nomination, please include contact details of your supervisor, editor or chief of staff.
Sponsorship
The Wheatley-Coulter Crime Reporter Award is proudly sponsored by P&N Bank, with each individual winner receiving prize money of $2000.
Past winners
2025
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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.
2024
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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
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