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AWARDS
ACPO Michael James and NT Administrator Vicki O'Halloran
AN INSPIRING CAREER After more than two decades serving Central Australian communities, Senior Aboriginal Community Police Officer Michael James has become a role model for those who know him. And his ability to maintain and develop cross-cultural relationships was recognised in October when he was awarded the 2021 Aboriginal Community Police Officer Administrator’s Medal by NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran at a special ceremony in Tennant Creek. He was presented the prestigious award with his wife Nerida and four sons Faron, 32, Garry, 30, Liam, 22 and Peter, 16, by his side. S/ACPO James, who joined the NT Police Force in 1999, said he was shocked and surprised to receive the award. “It was a very special day. I was excited and a bit shocked as well. I didn’t realise people had written such nice things about me,” he said. S/ACPO James said he
appreciated Commissioner Jamie Chalker and Deputy Commissioner Michael Murphy travelling to Tennant Creek to be present for the award ceremony. Born in Tennant Creek, S/ACPO James moved back to his home town in 2010 after working in Hermannsburg and has built strong relationships within the Barkly community.
He said he had used his experience, knowledge and communication skills which includes speaking Warumungu to teach younger officers. “We pass on a lot of knowledge to them. I have known a lot of the people in the community for a long time and they look up to me and want to do what I do and build those relationships.”
“I have no doubt that the respect you have as a senior law man, together with your regular attendance at meetings of the Central Land Council, Barkly Regional Council and other key local organisations, ensures your ability to make a real impact as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer,” she said.
S/ACPO James said choosing a career as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer provided an opportunity for him – and any other future officer – to make a difference.
NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran said S/ACPO James’ ability to develop and maintain relationships across communities and within the NT Police allowed him to make a real impact as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer.
“And it is clear your experience, professionalism and capability are recognised at all levels of the NT Police Force as well as across the community, with your new mentor role providing exceptional insight and support to less experienced Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
“If you have lived in Tennant Creek and you have grown up here and you want to be an ACPO you can find it really rewarding and help a lot of people. In Tennant Creek, they really look up to me here.”
In her speech at the award ceremony at the Barkly Regional Council office Ms O’Halloran said S/ACPO James’ cultural ties and knowledge played a valuable part in developing these relationships.
“Your commitment to serving all sectors of the community, together with the breadth of operational support you provide, means you are a highly appreciated member of the Tennant Creek team.”
