Sunday, February 9, 2025

Kiwi president marks new era for Australasian Council of Women and Policing

The Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) has marked an organisation-first with the election of a New Zealand Police officer as its President.

In a statement, the Council welcomed Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables (pictured), who has served as a police officer for three decades.

“I have loved every minute of my career and still consider it a privilege to wear the uniform and serve our communities,” said Asst Comm Venables.

“It will be an honour to be able to serve the members of ACWAP as President and see how much we can do to improve law enforcement for all women – in police services and the community.”

Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables.
AWCAP outgoing President, Debbie Platz APM.

AWCAP outgoing President, Debbie Platz APM said, “we can’t be what we can’t see and the appointment of our first New Zealand President demonstrates the importance of cross-border relationships and the inclusion of all across law enforcement.

“We need to model real ambition – not for the sake of those women who aspire to or occupy seniority, but for the organisations they will lead and the communities they will protect. Sandra is definitely the right President for ACWAP.”

Asst Commissioner Venables was elected at the organisation’s annual general meeting yesterday.

The Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) has been participating in the global network of women in policing since it was established in August 1997. ACWAP consists of women and men within law enforcement agencies and the community who work together to improve the opportunities and services provided to women within our communities.

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