Melton Police Station has been recognised for its outstanding service to people with disabilities at the Office of the Public Advocate Awards.
The Melton unit received the prestigious Independent Third Person Program Award, which recognises members of the force who demonstrate ideal conduct through the use of the Independent Third Person (ITP) system.
ITP volunteers attend police interactions with people with disabilities where they are being interviewed or being provided legal advice.
The system is designed to ensure that these individuals are in no way disadvantaged in their engagement with the law enforcement, and that they understand entirely their rights.
The Melton Police Station received glowing feedback for its attentiveness in this area.
One volunteer ITP who nominated the station for the award stated:
“On every occasion that I have attended at Melton, I have found the members to be pleasant and very appreciative of my attendance… On some occasions, a police officer has walked with me out into the car park to make sure I was safely in my vehicle.”
North-west metro region division 3 superintendent David Jones said he was proud to see the station recognised in this way.
“We know that police interviews can be stressful, especially for our community members who have a disability,” Mr Jones said.
“It means a lot to us to know that we can better support our community members who have a disability, and that we can make a difference.”
Oliver Lees
