A brave police officer who made the difficult decision to evacuate an ‘Invasion Day’ rally after a homemade bomb was thrown into the crowd, and the team responsible for policing one of the state’s most expansive and remote areas, have been recognised for their dedication to the people of Western Australia.
Five individual and five team winners were acknowledged as worthy winners from a strong field of nominees and finalists, demonstrating exceptional calibre and professionalism as part of the Western Australia Police Force Recognition of Excellence Awards 2026.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch congratulated all the finalists and praised the winners and thanked them for their outstanding accomplishments for the communities they serve.
“I am extremely proud of the work our officers carry out each and every day to keep the community safe,” Commissioner Blanch said.
“Too often, their efforts go unrecognised, despite doing extraordinary work around the clock and placing themselves at risk to protect those in need.
“This year’s award recipients reflect the highest standards of the WA Police Force — from responding to critical incidents, to supporting families in their toughest moments, and targeting those who pose a risk to community safety.
“They do not seek acknowledgement. They step forward because the situation demands it, carrying out their duties under pressure and with unwavering professionalism. Our organisation and the wider WA community are safer and stronger because of their commitment.”
Senior Sergeant Dan Clark was the individual handpicked by the Commissioner of Police to receive the prestigious Brilliance in Policing Award for his bravery, calm and leadership.
He made the difficult decision to halt the Invasion Day rally to prevent panic and harm, when an explosive device was thrown into the crowd, resulting in a landmark terrorism charge and averting what could have been a major tragedy.
The Fitzroy Crossing Police Station serves one of the state’s most expansive and remote policing areas. Despite the challenges this presents, the team has been recognised for its efforts in building community trust in policing, awarded the Commissioner’s Brilliance in Policing team award.
The metropolitan recipient of the Minister’s Community Confidence Award recognised Mandurah Detectives.
The team led an extensive and complex investigation into dismantling an organised criminal network responsible for large scale fraud, burglary, coercion and exploitation, including the systematic abuse of NDIS funding and vulnerable individuals.
Regional Western Australia plays a significant role in building community confidence. The Broome Inquiry team are no exception and have been recognised as the regional recipient of the Minister’s Community Confidence Award.
Throughout 2025, the team delivered high impact proactive investigative work that improved community safety through a series of complex operations.
The team dismantled organised crime, disrupted drug supply and fraud and achieved sustained reductions across property crime, while increasing drug and weapon detections.
The full list of winners across all categories are:
2026 Recognition of Excellence Awards – winners
Brilliance in Policing Award
Selected from the Recognition of Excellence winners by the Commissioner of Police Col Blanch APM:
Individual winner – Senior Sergeant Dan Clark
Senior Sergeant Dan Clark was the Police Forward Commander for the Invasion Day rally at Forrest Chase, where large crowds and heightened tensions were anticipated.
When there was an imminent risk to public safety, Senior Sergeant Clark immediately took decisive control, leading his team into the area and making the difficult decision to halt the rally to prevent panic and harm.
His calm, rational leadership ensured the offender was arrested, the device secured and the public and officers protected, resulting in a landmark terrorism charge and averting what could have been a major tragedy.
Team winner – Fitzroy Crossing Police Station
The Fitzroy Crossing Police Station serve one of the state’s most expansive and remote policing areas.
Despite this, the team has built strong, trusted relationships through genuine collaboration and community led initiatives, including the successful Wangki Police Catch Up radio program, youth night spaces, weekly football activities and place based community safety planning.
By prioritising transparency, cultural respect and consistent engagement, officers have strengthened community trust, reduced youth crime, promoted safety across the region and empowered local communities to take ownership of solutions that create lasting positive change.
Metropolitan Award
Individual winner – Senior Sergeant Dan Clark
Senior Sergeant Dan Clark was the Police Forward Commander for the Invasion Day rally at Forrest Chase, where large crowds and heightened tensions were anticipated.
When there was an imminent risk to public safety, Senior Sergeant Clark immediately took decisive control, leading his team into the area and making the difficult decision to halt the rally to prevent panic and harm.
His calm, rational leadership ensured the offender was arrested, the device secured and the public and officers protected, resulting in a landmark terrorism charge and averting what could have been a major tragedy.
Team winner – Midland Detectives
In January 2026, Midland Detectives conducted a detailed and time critical investigation into the theft of a firearm safe containing twelve firearms, posing a serious risk to public safety.
The team conducted a meticulous investigation using intelligence‑led techniques which led to the arrest of six individuals, the recovery of all twelve firearms and the seizure of additional weapons, drugs, cash and vehicles.
The investigation demonstrated exceptional dedication, attention to detail and effective use of intelligence led policing, resulting in a significant harm prevention outcome for the community.
Regional Award
Individual winner – Senior Sergeant Scott Starkie
Senior Sergeant Scott Starkie’s steady leadership has transformed Australind Police Station into a confident, high‑performing workplace.
Under his guidance, staff morale increased, performance strengthened and confidence among stakeholders and the community grew.
By investing in people and culture, he has strengthened outcomes for both staff and community.
Team winner – Fitzroy Crossing Police Station
Policing one of the State’s most remote regions, the Fitzroy Crossing team has built enduring community trust through respect, transparency and collaboration.
Their community‑led initiatives, such as the successful Wangki Police Catch Up radio program, youth night spaces, weekly football activities and place-based community safety planning, have created safer outcomes driven by local voices.
State Award
Individual winner – Senior Constable Oliver Taylor
Detective Senior Constable Oliver Taylor has demonstrated relentless dedication and exceptional skill in investigating serious offences against children, consistently pursuing offenders through complex and intrusive investigations to protect vulnerable victims.
His work has led to significant custodial sentences, including a 13-year imprisonment and lifelong offender reporting conditions, reflecting his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and upholding the highest standards of investigative policing.
Team winner – Operation Aground – Major Crash Investigation
Through innovation and perseverance, Operation Aground transformed a long‑standing unsolved fatal hit and run crash, into a successful prosecution, delivering and reinforcing public confidence in police resolve.
The operation delivered justice and closure to the victim’s family and reinforced community confidence in the WA Police Force’s commitment to solving serious crimes, regardless of how much time has passed.
Lance Martin Technology Award
Individual winner – Senior Constable Charlie Jenkins
Senior Constable Charlie Jenkins has modernised land search and rescue and emergency management capability through innovative mapping and coordination systems. His work enhances responder safety and strengthens statewide operational readiness.
Team winner – Firearms Act Reform Program
The program delivered a landmark transformation of firearms regulation in Western Australia, strengthening public safety through modern legislation, streamlined systems and enhanced regulatory oversight.
Improving security, efficiency and real time data sharing, this work has positioned the WA Police Force at the forefront of firearms regulation nationally and strengthened law enforcement capability and community safety outcomes.
Agency Services & Development Award
Individual winner – Sherileen Martin
A cornerstone of trust in Derby, Community Liaison Officer Sherileen Martin bridges has made a lasting impact by building strong, respectful relationships between police and the local Aboriginal community.
Her daily engagement empowers communication, strengthens safety and supports successful policing outcomes.
Team winner – Operation Podcast – Media and Content team
By telling authentic policing stories in a fresh, accessible way, the Media and Content team transformed engagement through Operation Podcast.
The initiative strengthened internal connection and opened a new channel for community transparency and trust.
Minister’s Community Confidence Award
Selected from the Recognition of Excellence Finalists by the Honourable Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Police; Road Safety; Tourism; Great Southern:
Metropolitan team winner – Mandurah Detectives
Tackling a deeply entrenched criminal network as part of Operation Scelestus, Mandurah Detectives demonstrated outstanding investigative discipline and collaboration.
Their work dismantled organised offending, responsible for large scale fraud, burglary, coercion and exploitation, including the systematic abuse of NDIS funding and vulnerable individuals while prioritising the protection and recovery of vulnerable victims.
Regional team winner – Broome Inquiry Team
By shifting from reactive response to persistent offender‑focused investigations, targeting high harm and repeat offenders, the Broome Inquiry Team has delivered long‑term safety outcomes.
Their disciplined approach has halted high‑harm offending, including dismantling organised crime, disrupting drug supply and fraud and in turn, has strengthened community confidence.
Wheatley-Coulter Crime Reporter Award
Short Form winner – Amber Wilkinson
Amber Wilkinson’s nomination highlights fast, accurate and responsible reporting on a disrupted terror plot in Perth, delivered under tight deadlines.
Her coverage quickly informed the public there was no ongoing threat, while clearly outlining key facts and allegations.
Balancing speed with accuracy, ethics and clear storytelling, the reporting provided timely updates and a comprehensive, accessible overview of a high interest and sensitive breaking news event.
Long Form winner – Jerrie Demasi
Jerrie Demasi’s nomination highlights a sustained, long form investigation into domestic violence, following a single case over time to reveal how offenders, victims and the justice system interact.
Through multiple reports and an accompanying opinion piece, the coverage explored coercive control, digital stalking and the challenges of enforcement, while maintaining balance by clearly outlining the roles of police and the courts.
By combining detailed storytelling with accountability and context, the reporting deepened understanding of domestic violence as a complex issue and reinforced public confidence in both policing and the justice system.
Analysis winner – Nine News Perth
Nine News Perth’s nomination showcases clear, balanced coverage of Western Australia’s first terrorism charge, helping audiences understand its significance and impact.
The team explained the police investigation, legal context and risks to the community, while drawing on expert insights into radicalisation and extremist ideologies.
By presenting verified facts, multiple perspectives and accessible analysis, the reporting informed public debate and strengthened understanding of both the case and broader community safety.
