Former Victoria Police organised crime Detective, Purana taskforce cop Michelle Kerley remembered

A respected former organised crime cop, who was one of the early members of the Purana taskforce, has been remembered as a hardworking detective and “kind soul” after her shock passing.

The death of respected former organised crime Detective Sen-Sgt Michelle Kerley came as a shock to her colleagues.

Colleagues have paid tribute after the recent death of respected former organised crime Detective Michelle Kerley.

Sen-Sgt Kerley – who before her death last month was officer-in-charge of Swan Hill police station – was one of the early members of the Purana taskforce, formed amid Melbourne’s turn-of-the-century era of gangland carnage.

Retired Detective Inspector Gavan Ryan of the Purana Taskforce said Sen-Sgt Kerley played a crucial role in key investigations, with much of her work going unnoticed.

“Michelle was pivotal to the success of the Purana Taskforce, which investigated multiple underworld murders in Melbourne,” he said in an online tribute.

“Her unseen role in the ‘rolling’ of multiple hardened criminals will never be forgotten by task force members.

“She was a genuine person who gave it all during that difficult period in Victoria’s history.

“Her legacy is one of displaying incredible courage under relentless pressure to stop the shootings.

“A kind soul who loved her family, loved her team members, and provided stability in a difficult time.

“Rest in peace. You have made your family and Purana proud.”

Michelle Kerley (second left) was a part of the prosecution’s legal team in the trial of convicted murderer Carl Williams. Picture: Ian Currie

She was part of the team which investigated the murders of Mark Moran, Jason Moran, Pasquale Barbaro and Michael Marshall.

The character Jacqui James, played by Caroline Craig in the hit TV series Underbelly, was loosely based on Sen-Sgt Kerley.

Sen-Sgt Kerley had a 35-year career in which she also filled a range of roles in the northwest metro police region.

Supt John O’Connor of western region said Sen-Sgt Kerley was a “people-focused leader” who was passionate about the welfare of her staff.

“Her passing came as a great shock to all the members at the Swan Hill Police Station where she had been the officer in charge for the past two years,” Supt O’Connor said.

“We know her loss is felt not only within Victoria Police but the wider community.”

Sen-Sgt Kerley graduated from the Victoria Police Academy in 1986.

A source said she was one of only four women to get through in a class of 28 and had carved out a fine career in an era when it was far harder for females to make inroads in policing.

Sen-Sgt Kerley died from a medical condition.