Naracoorte’s Senior Constable Chris Mailley has been honoured as the 2024 South Australia Police Officer of the Year. The award, organised annually by the Rotary Club of Unley in collaboration with South Australia Police (SAPOL), recognises police officers who go above and beyond in their duties and service.
Senior Constable Mailley has been instrumental in the setup of the ‘Upper South East Domestic Abuse Program’ (USEDAP). This initiative focuses on generating funds to aid individuals in critical domestic situations. His efforts have significantly impacted the way domestic and family violence victims receive assistance in the region.
Grant Stevens, Commissioner of Police, praised Senior Constable Mailley for his unwavering dedication to helping at-risk community members in the Upper South East. “Senior Constable Mailley exhibits outstanding character traits that make him an exceptional police officer and community leader, including enthusiasm and compassion,” said Commissioner Stevens.
Originally hailing from near Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Senior Constable Mailley embarked on his policing career nearly three decades ago. His extensive background includes involvement with the riot squad, tactical teams, drug disruption initiatives, firearms units, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and covert operations.
Drawn by the Australian lifestyle, Senior Constable Mailley moved with his family to Naracoorte in 2009. Since then, he has actively contributed to the community by spearheading youth-focused projects such as BMX track construction and drug awareness programs.
Reflecting on his award, Senior Constable Mailley acknowledged the collective effort behind his achievements. “I feel very humbled to be receiving this award. It’s nice to be awarded later in my career as it shows, like so many police officers, we don’t lose our passion for what we do,” he shared.
Senior Constable Mailley highlighted that the award belongs to the entire community which has supported the domestic violence program and other local projects. “This belongs to the community: businesses, service groups, individuals, colleagues, and management team – there’s just too many involved and that shows how much support there’s been,” he added.
USEDAP, forming part of the Naracoorte Lucindale Community Care Network, operates independently from government support, relying on community donations and fundraising efforts.
Senior Constable Mailley also reflected on his decision to move to South Australia with his family, saying South Australia “did not disappoint”.
SAPOL is currently recruiting from the United Kingdom, and he’s spoken to a few successful applicants.
“I’ve explained that we, my family, have no regrets and found the move to be such an exciting new chapter in our lives,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“I recall we all had a cheeky smile at each other as we flew in and saw Glenelg beach and from there on, our new life commenced.”
His family has integrated well into their new environment, with his wife Amanda working as a midwife and nurse, and their son Jake serving as a police officer in Port Augusta.
In addition to his police duties, Senior Constable Mailley is actively involved in the Naracoorte Lions Club and collaborates with the local high school. Despite his busy schedule managing a farm and a powder coating business, he has no intentions of slowing down, aiming to enhance domestic violence support in the area.
The award presentation took place at the Royal Adelaide Show, where John Peacham, President of the Rotary Club of Unley, and District 9510 Governor Marie-Louise Lees, along with Commissioner Stevens, officially recognised Senior Constable Mailley’s contributions.
“Chris is held in high esteem by his peers, superiors, members of the Family Violence Investigation Section and wider Naracoorte and Limestone Coast communities,” stated Mr. Peacham. “Rotary is pleased to partner with SAPOL to award a dedicated police officer worthy of such recognition.”
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