Sergeant Lisa Jones, the crime coordinator and licensing officer attached to Castlereagh Local Area Command at Walgett, was a finalist in the “Field Operations” category of this year’s awards.

Judges deemed that her unwavering commitment to her community as well as her local policing achievements made her worthy of the overall award.

Sergeant Jones was announced the winner by Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM, at a special function on Friday night at Darling Harbour.

The mother of four has been a driving force behind scores of local initiatives including organising a leg of the White Ribbon ultra-marathon, co-ordinating a ‘Safer By Design’ CCTV project for the Walgett CBD, managing a Christmas lolly drive for children, and facilitating community engagement with police at local shows and events.

Sergeant Jones has been at the forefront of local child protection and anti-domestic violence programs.

She remains a crucial part of her command’s Aboriginal Strategic Direction youth strategies and has taken part in camps and breakfast initiatives assisting Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers helping local youths.

As Castlereagh LAC’s Licensing Officer, Sergeant Jones regularly participates in community drug and alcohol education programs in her district and in her limited spare time also volunteers for the school canteen.

The Commissioner commended Sergeant Jones for her devotion to her work and local community.

“It’s obvious Sergeant Jones cares about her community and this award recognises that the community, in turn, cares about her,” Mr Scipione said.

“She has gone above and beyond in her devotion to duty and I am proud to bestow upon her the title of Rotary Police Officer of the Year.”