Six outstanding officers receive national recognition

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP and Commissioner Katarina Carroll have congratulated six Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers who have today received Australian Police Medals.

Commissioner Carroll said the officers who had been awarded Australian Police Medals (APMs) exceeded the standard of conduct expected to be met by all members of the QPS.

“On behalf of the QPS, I would like to personally congratulate all six APM recipients receiving this honour today and thank you for your ongoing dedication within Queensland Police,” Commissioner Carroll said.

Minister Ryan said the Queensland recipients of this national honour had demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to both QPS and the community.

“These recipients have delivered a distinguished level of service to Queensland through their leadership qualities, professionalism and commitment as police officers,” Minister Ryan said.

“I am proud to congratulate all of the officers who have received this high honour on Australia Day.”

The recipients of the Australia Day APM’s have contributed to various branches and programs within QPS.

Details of each recipient are below:

Inspector Corey Allen has been recognised for his leadership and excellence in organisational improvement, change management, and operational planning. He has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in developing and fostering innovation in policing practice.

Inspector Allen has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during his career. His professionalism, expertise and leadership in varied roles culminated when he became the Officer in Charge of Brisbane City Station. This was a role that earned him the respect of his peers and the support of his subordinates.

Inspector Allen is recognised for his commitment to change management driving the implementation of significant projects within his area of responsibility for the betterment of the community and for the QPS. His contribution to the development of these programs, the leadership he has displayed and the partnerships with community, government and non-government agencies has seen Inspector Allen forge positive change in the approach police take in their interactions with vulnerable persons within the community in which they serve.

Inspector Allen is acknowledged as a leader who can implement change and is seen as a role model for many officers within the Service. His leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards which are expected of an officer of the QPS.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Clark is recognised for her dedication to adult and juvenile investigations and for her effectiveness in working in partnership with community groups to achieve positive outcomes. Detective Senior Sergeant Clark is an excellent leader who has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in working in the investigative field and with our broader community.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clark has served with distinction in a range of policing appointments during her career. Her professionalism, expertise, and leadership in the role of Officer in Charge of Mount Isa Child Protection Investigation Unit has earned her the respect of her peers and the support of the community.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clark is acknowledged for her service to the community of Queensland through her dedication to criminal investigations, rural policing and community engagement.

She has been instrumental in developing innovative and effective investigative practices and in breaking down barriers between police and local indigenous communities. She has been actively engaged in Problem Oriented Policing Programs which have contributed to quality outcomes both for the community and the QPS.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clark has made significant improvements to policing strategies and has sought to enhance service delivery based, among other policing priorities, on community needs and expectations.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clark has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during her career with the QPS.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sasha Finney is recognised for her dedication to policing and for her success and effectiveness in working in partnerships with community groups to achieve positive outcomes. Detective Senior Sergeant Finney is a capable leader who has displayed unwavering commitment, skill and excellence in working with community groups and partner agencies including non-government and government agencies.

Detective Senior Sergeant Finney has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during her career. Most recently her professionalism, expertise and leadership in the role of Officer in Charge of the Synthetic Drug Operations Unit has earned her the respect of her peers and the support of her subordinates and community.

Her professionalism, leadership abilities, strategic planning skills and commitment to training and development of police officers epitomise her pursuit of excellence and have contributed to the enhancement of ethical standards, discipline and professional practice of the QPS.

Detective Senior Sergeant Finney has been a trailblazer and mentor in her tireless work across the LGBTI community. As a role model she promotes inclusion and diversity ensuring our valued members have a positive workplace experience whilst engaging the community with confidence. In addition, she is working with local government and community members in relation to chemical contamination of structures and buildings used for the storage and manufacture of illicit drugs in Queensland.

Superintendent Craig Hanlon is recognised for his excellence in organisational improvement, change management and operational planning. He consistently displays commitment, skill and excellence in developing and fostering innovation in policing practices.

Superintendent Hanlon has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during his career. His professionalism, expertise and leadership in the roles of Assistant District Officer and Acting District Officer have earned the respect of his peers and the support of his subordinates.

He is acknowledged for his commitment to change management during the restructure of the QPS and his significant contribution to the development of the Road Policing Command.

Superintendent Hanlon is seen as a role model for officers within the service and his leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the QPS.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the QPS throughout his distinguished career. He has served the community of Queensland with distinction in appointments and roles in remote, rural and metropolitan areas throughout the state, including divisional Officer in Charge, Patrol Group Inspector, the QPS Chief of Staff and currently the District Officer, Gold Coast District.

Chief Superintendent Wheeler is recognised as an outstanding leader and a promoter of change. His leadership capabilities were pivotal as Operations Commander during the QPS response to the Lockyer Valley flood disaster where 25 lives were tragically lost and his commitment to change management and innovation saw him appointed to the QPS Implementation Team for significant structural and cultural reform during the QPS Renewal Program.

His exceptional communication and negotiation skills enable effective engagement with departmental, government and media stakeholders. As Commissioner’s Chief of Staff, Chief Superintendent Wheeler enhanced the relationships between the QPS Executive and the ministerial office to ensure matters were addressed in an appropriate, sensitive and efficient manner.

Chief Superintendent Wheeler is seen as a role model for QPS officers and staff members and his leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the QPS.

Inspector Nyree Whelan has demonstrated outstanding dedication, integrity and commitment during her policing career of more than 27 years with the QPS.

She has served with distinction in a range of policing appointments demonstrating her professionalism, expertise and leadership in a diverse number of areas including rural and remote operational policing, education and training, and corporate roles.

Inspector Whelan is acknowledged for her significant commitment to mentoring fellow officers and staff members. She is recognised for her leadership and excellence in organisational improvement, change management, and her commitment to the ongoing higher education, training and development of police officers and staff members.

Amongst other achievements, Inspector Whelan’s expertise in corporate management coupled with her excellent communication and negotiation skills, have earned her the respect of a range of stakeholders across Government, the private sector, and her peers.

Inspector Whelan is seen as a role model for QPS officers and staff members and her leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the QPS.

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