Greensborough senior sergeant honoured for supporting the vulnerable
A Greensborough senior sergeant has been honoured for providing support services to at-risk offenders. He tells us why he and his colleagues “take the extra step”.
East
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Greensborough Senior Sergeant Mark Van Rooyen has been recognised for his service to the Banyule community with the 2019 Clyde James Smith Memorial Police Leadership Award.
In the three years Sen-Sgt Van Rooyen has worked at Greensborough police station, there have been 4000 referrals made by police to agencies that provide support to individuals in need and reduce the rate of reoffending.
It is the highest number of referrals made by any police unit statewide.
Sen-Sgt Van Rooyen first joined the police force on August 8, 1988 – or 8/8/1988 – and moved to Greensborough station in 2016.
“We have achieved some great things together and will continue to achieve great things and I am proud to serve the Banyule community,” Sen-Sgt Van Rooyen said.
He said the approach was “victim-centric” and aimed to recognise people with mental health or drug issues and refer them to an approved support network.
“We take the extra step and are proactive in helping these people,” Sen-Sgt Van Rooyen said.
The award was named after Constable Clyde James Smith, who was fatally wounded while on duty in Frankston in 1935.
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Sen-Sgt Van Rooyen said he was honoured and humbled to receive the award.
“It was very emotional, to hear from the family, it’s massive and reinforced that feeling of brotherhood and connection,” he said.
Banyule deputy mayor Alison Champion said the award acknowledged the vital role police played in the community.
“They uphold the law the promote a safe, secure and orderly society. Although this is a personal award, it pays tribute to the great teamwork that exists within the police force,” Ms Champion said.