An officer with a 40-year career in Tasmania Police, including 22 years dedicated to forensic policing, has been recognised for his valuable contribution to criminal investigations across the state.
Sergeant Michael Maher, the Officer-in-Charge of Northern Forensic Services based in Launceston, today received the John AG Bird Memorial Award for dedication to Forensic Services.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams made the presentation during an awards function in Launceston recognising outstanding achievement and service milestones by Tasmania Police personnel and state service (DPFEM) employees.
Commissioner Adams praised Sergeant Maher for his expertise in leading the examination of major and complex crime scenes, and for his role in mentoring and developing Tasmania’s forensic practitioners.
Sergeant Maher said he was “honoured and humbled” to receive the John AG Bird Memorial Award.
“After a long career in policing, it is very gratifying to be recognised by colleagues and the organisation in this way,” he said.
“John was my first Forensic Inspector, and I received some valuable training from him in those early years.
“While the award is presented to an individual, I believe it also reflects the efforts and support of the many people I have worked alongside throughout my career. Forensic policing is very much a team effort, and I have been fortunate to work with dedicated and highly professional people across Tasmania Police.”
Sergeant Maher said Forensics was a challenging field requiring integrity, the highest scientific standards and a careful attention to detail, often in difficult and confronting circumstances.
“The most rewarding aspect of forensic policing has always been identifying those crucial pieces of evidence at crime scenes that lead to the identification of offenders and help bring offenders before the courts,” he said.
“The work we do can often be the key to progressing an investigation, particularly when there are few other leads available. Knowing that forensic evidence can provide answers for victims, families and investigators is extremely satisfying.”
Sergeant Maher said Forensic Services was continually adapting to technological and investigative demands.
“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated in how they commit offences, and Forensic Services must continue to evolve to meet those challenges,” Sergeant Maher said.
Commissioner Adams said Sergeant Maher’s expertise spanned a range of forensic disciplines, from disaster victim identification and crime scene management to digital evidence examination and advanced fingerprint development.
His contribution has extended beyond Tasmania, notably representing Tasmania Police during the Victorian Black Saturday bushfire disaster victim identification response.
“While there are a number of cases that stand out across my career, the real highlights have been those where forensic evidence has played a decisive role in identifying offenders and achieving successful outcomes for victims and their families,” Sergeant Maher said.
