Northern District Commander Brett Smith, and Senior Sergeant Kerrie Whitwam, Forensic Services are recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours for their outstanding service to policing.

In offering congratulations to both officers Commissioner Darren Hine said:

“Both officers have excelled in service and dedicated time outside of their duties to commit to their professional development.”

“The award of the Australian Police medal is given careful consideration and the exemplary conduct of Commander Brett Smith and Senior Sergeant Kerrie Whitwam make them very worthy recipients.”

Commander Brett Smith joined Tasmania Police as a cadet in 1982 and he has never looked back since.

Showing great integrity and leadership throughout his career; Commander Smith been awarded the Commissioner’s Medal, the National Medal and the National Police Service Medal. He has also received a Commissioner’s Commendation.

Commander Smith is a strong mentor and leader, training personnel in relation to command and control. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Police Studies from the University of Tasmania and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management from Charles Sturt University, two post graduated diplomas with a third pending; and has attended development programs at the Australian Institute of Police Management.

Currently the Commander of the Northern District, Brett Smith has considerable experience in high level strategic and tactical planning. He has worked in a variety of areas and locations including criminal investigations; human resources; special response and counter terrorism and has spent time as the commander of the Special Operations Group.

Senior Sergeant Kerrie Whitwam was appointed as a Police Constable in 1981. In her career spanning 35 years Sergeant Whitwam has served Tasmania Police with outstanding enthusiasm and dedication to her position.

Keen to expand on her professional development Senior Sergeant Whitwam served secondments with Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence in Canberra and also at the National Academy, FBI at Quantico, Virginia, USA. She has also served internationally on deployment with AFP to Solomon Islands.

Displaying notable diligence to duty and integrity throughout her duties, Senior Sergeant Whitwam has previously been awarded the Tasmania Police Commissioner’s Medal, the National Medal, the National Police Service Medal and an AFP medal and certificate for her service to the Honiora Riots on the Solomon Islands.

Senior Sergeant Whitwam has worked in various areas of Tasmania Police including uniform work, Drug investigation, Criminal Investigation and currently is the Sergeant in charge of Forensic Services.

For information about the APM click here: http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/australian_police_medal.cfm