Photo: beaccessible.org.nz

More than 100 Victoria Police employees and community members gathered to mark the occasion, recognise excellence and celebrate diversity.

Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said Victoria Police was committed to being an inclusive and accessible organisation as an employer and service provider.

“We are committed to ensuring excellence in service delivery to people with disability,” Ms Steendam said.

“Our Accessibility Action Plan plays a pivotal role in ensuring people with disabilities feel valued, safe and supported in all their interactions with Victoria Police, be they members of the public or our own staff.”

This year’s event also included the official launch of the newly established Employee Accessibility Advocacy Network – designed to provide employees with disability a voice within the organisation and a vehicle to raise awareness about their needs and challenges.

“Victoria Police strives to create a workplace that incorporates people from different backgrounds and with a range of perspectives and abilities, including people with disabilities,” Ms Steendam said.

Public Advocate Ms Colleen Pearce presented the award winners with their certificates. Amongst the recipients were Ararat, Epping and North Melbourne police stations – recognised for ongoing and consistency of support for people with disabilities.

The event concluded with the commencement of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to raise awareness and understanding of people with disabilities and celebrate their contributions and achievements.