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.
