Senior Sergeant Amanda Cohen has just been appointed Officer in Charge in Gisborne. Working in the police force for 17 years, Ms Cohen has striven to drive cultural change in the male-dominated workforce. In her previous role as a Detective Sergeant at Armed Crime, she implemented firearm prohibition orders to curb firearm related violence in Victoria. Having lived regionally, she knows how important policing can be in regional communities. She spoke with Oliver Lees about what she hopes to bring to the role.
What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges?
Growing up we moved every few years due to family work commitments, this meant I experienced living in the inner city as well as regional townships. However, since moving to the Macedon Ranges seven years ago, I don’t see myself moving any time soon. It’s the closeness of the community, our shared experiences and the sense of looking out for each other that provides the right environment for my young family to grow.
In your 17 years of experience at the force, you’ve driven a message of inclusivity and female participation. Why is it important to you to drive this change?
As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, I am passionate about driving cultural change and encouraging women to rise up through the ranks. It’s not just about equality, it’s about equity and the recognition that people of all backgrounds, including gender, have unique talents and skills they can bring to policing. I firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are key drivers of organisational success, which ultimately has huge benefits for the community.
You’ve previously spent time in Melbourne working as a detective sergeant. Are there significant differences in the role of police in regional areas, compared with metro?
Yes and no. Operationally these two roles are worlds apart but as a leader it is about knowing and understanding your people – if your people are heard and supported then they will be able to do their job. My members at Gisborne Police Station are experienced police officers who understand the role of regional policing. I will support them to continue the good work they are doing in our community.
As the Officer in Charge of a regional police station, you are naturally more embedded in the local community than you are as a detective in a metropolitan area. I am really looking forward to getting to know community members from all walks of life over the next few weeks and months, which is why I will be hosting ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events on the first Wednesday of every month at various locations to be advertised via our Facebook Page – Eyewatch – Macedon Ranges Police Service Area. I encourage everyone to come and have a chat about any issues or concerns they may have.
Do you have a sense of certain issues or areas of concern you would like to focus on as Officer in Charge at Gisborne?
My priority is to ensure the local community feels engaged with their police force, as this is essential in fostering trust and confidence. Police are here for the community first and foremost and we are ready to listen with open ears. We’re also humans with families and other interests – we’re proud of our community and we want to work together to create a safe and happy environment for everyone.
