# @victoriapolice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDF1RLGBoaf
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/25260662-victoriapolice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/1636b88374.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-02T21:30:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Victoria Police (@victoriapolice) — https://gondola.cc/victoriapolice

## Caption

When Victoria Police announced the roll out of Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs), Senior Sergeant Karen Barnes – now 24 years in the job - knew she could draw on personal experience to further help better the community. ⁣
⁣
Growing up alongside a brother with cerebral palsy, she saw the role as an opportunity to raise awareness amongst her colleagues, and ensure they provide fair, accessible and an inclusive service to people with disability.⁣
⁣
Nine months in, Karen enjoys the many opportunities the additional role has offered her, particularly in creating relationships with all members of the community. The Proactive Policing Unit - where Karen is positioned - work closely with local schools, participate in community events such as Step up for Down Syndrome, and regularly work with organisations like Down Syndrome Victoria, and The Big issue Magazine.⁣
⁣
It's through visibility and involvement at these events that Karen actively contributes to community education around police procedures, helping break down barriers between police and people with disability and encourage approachability. ⁣
⁣
“It’s essential that people with a disability feel comfortable to approach us and ask us for help, and that every interaction is a positive one.” ⁣
⁣
This International Day of People with Disability, we asked Karen what it meant to her.⁣
⁣
“Everyone should be able to have a say in decisions made about their own lives. I love this year’s theme because it highlights the importance of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities, as well as celebrates their achievements.” ⁣
⁣
Next year, Karen and her team will continue their work in their community and are excited to run the ‘Disability Police Academy’, a program designed to build rapport between police and people with disability. ⁣
⁣
Head to the link in our bio to learn more about our DLOs or locate your nearest officer 🔗⁣⁣
⁣⁣
#DisabilityAwareness #InternationalDayOfPeopleWithDisability #IDPwD #RegionalPolicing #CommunityPolicing

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,533
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 17

## Tags

regionalpolicing, communitypolicing, internationaldayofpeoplewithdisability, disabilityawareness, idpwd

---
Copyright (c) Gondola