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This week
Inspector Anne Paterson
Anne is participating in the Victoria Police Leadership Mentoring Program. She has a Rotary mentor, our own PP Andrew Mitchell and a AXA business mentor.
Anne gave us an insight into an aspect of policing of which few of us had the least idea – that of the Police Prosecutor. When the suspect of a crime is interrogated by a constable or a detective, the evidence is passed on to the Police Prosecutor. Then, before a Magistrate, a Police Prosecutor then presents the accusations to the Court.
We learned that Inspector Anne Paterson is in charge of the special training of the Police Prosecutors in Victoria. At present, there are 269 Police Prosecutors, of whom just 13% are females. An important part of this training for which Anne’s team is responsible are the Rules of Evidence. If such rules are flouted, the indictment will fail.
Anne began her policing career as a Constable in Moe in 1998, Latrobe Valley, during the tragic death of Jaydin Leaske and the subsequent investigations. This was a sobering introduction to the complexities and challenges of policing. In 2000-2005, Anne completed her law degree on a part time basis, with the support of her partner, also a lawyer. So now she was legally qualified. She also holds an Advanced Diploma in Police Management. This paved the way for her to be promoted as Inspector in charge of Training for Police Prosecutors.
Considering that meanwhile, she and her partner have raised three children, we have to admire the tenacity of this exceptionally capable lady. Thanks Anne for giving us a very personal and penetrating glimpse into the Victoria Police Force.
Owen Tassicker.
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