5 minute read
Access for all abilities
Editorial: Lane Mihaljevic
Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann
When Senior Sergeant Jason Kok heard Victoria Police was looking for its first Disability Liaison Officers earlier this year, he didn’t have to think twice about putting his hand up for the job.
Having already started work to strengthen the relationship between police and the disability community in Melbourne’s northwest, he was appointed to the role within weeks, and is now the primary point of contact for City of Hume residents who need help accessing police services.
Like LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officers and Police Aboriginal Liaison Officers, the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) role is taken on by police members in addition to their core duties.
But the additional responsibility doesn’t faze Sen Sgt Kok, because he applied for the DLO role with his son front of mind.
“For me, it’s personal, because my eldest son has autism,” Sen Sgt Kok said.
“He’s a very smart boy, big into music, and passionate about mixing and composing. But having an invisible disability means he does face some challenges.
“Challenges that other people with disability might find themselves facing too, which could prevent them from seeking police help when they need it.”
So, as soon as he started in a new role as acting senior sergeant in January 2022, he began thinking about what the Hume Police Service Area could do to assist.
With the knowledge that one in five Victorians identify as having disability, Sen Sgt Kok teamed up with the Sunbury Proactive Policing Unit to establish the Hume Disability and Inclusion Awareness Group — an initiative that saw him receive a certificate of commendation from the Office of the Public Advocate for Outstanding Police Service to People with Disability.
Since then, the group has collaborated with local disability service providers to host a variety of events, all with the common goal of improving communication between police and the disability community.
“We’ve gone out to places like Brite Services in Broadmeadows and Distinctive Options in Sunbury to meet locals with disability and do presentations on things like safety, how to get in touch with us, and how we can help,” Sen Sgt Kok said.
“But we’ve also created opportunities for the disability community to ask questions and share what they need from us — which is just as, if not more, important.”
More recently, the group even invited students from a local specialist school to Sunbury Police Station for a behind-the-scenes look at police in action, which included doing some fingerprinting with local crime scene officers.
Because the DLO role requires demonstrated leadership skills, most DLOs are sergeants and senior sergeants — but irrespective of their rank, they all share the same passion.
The goal of every Victoria Police DLO is to strengthen the disability community’s confidence in police so they feel comfortable reporting crime and calling on local police when they need help.
Priority and Safer Communities Division’s Acting Commander Kelly Lawson, who oversaw the launch of Victoria Police’s DLO program, said she’s rapt that police members like Sen Sgt Kok have taken on the DLO role.
"DLOs are already building connections with their local disability community and are working hard to build the knowledge and skills of other Victoria Police members to ensure they provide consistent and accessible policing services,” A/Cmdr Lawson said.
This is because they’re the best people for the job. They’re police members who are passionate about achieving positive justice outcomes for people with disability, have lived experience, or are members of the disability community themselves.
Just five months since the first DLO was appointed, there are now 70 DLOs across the state, with one allocated to every police service area.
From the perspective of Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School principal Joanne Nolan, having a dedicated point of contact at Sunbury Police Station provides the school community with access to tailored support.
“Our Respectful Relationships curriculum is an integral part of the school curriculum that is enriched when we can provide opportunities for students to meet local police officers like Sen Sgt Kok and his team,” Ms Nolan said.
“Having a DLO based in Sunbury means that we can reach out to someone who understands the sometimes complex needs of our students, not just in situations where two-way communication and police presence may be needed, but to enhance their learning and personal growth.
Proactive policing like this is consistent with our approach to developing school-wide positive behaviours and helps build students’ confidence, trust and understanding of how police can help.
For members of the disability community, like those who attend Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, the additional support is invaluable.
And for Sen Sgt Kok, now in a permanent position at Sunbury Police Station, it’s a joy to provide.
“I feel lucky that there are things I can do to help out, as a police officer with lived experience in this space,” he said.
“It’s a privilege.”
To find your local DLO, visit the Disability Liaison Officer page on the Victoria Police website.
