Women in the AFP - Kate Mokrij, ACT Policing Multicultural Liaison
Community policing is about the little wins you experience every day—seeing an offender successfully prosecuted, helping a victim of crime face court, or ensuring a refugee family feels safe in their new surroundings, according to ACT Policing Multicultural Liaison Officer Kate Mokrij.
‘I don’t think have a single moment which defines my experience in policing. Instead I have a collection of experiences which make me feel good about the job that we do, in all its different forms,’ Kate said.
Her current role is demanding, yet rewarding.
‘I’m the link between the police and different multicultural communities in Canberra, ensuring there’s an understanding of the role of police in Australia.
‘Some of the newly arrived refugees have come from countries, such as Sudan, where police are feared. It’s my job to break down the barriers. Sometimes people are frightened of me just because of the uniform. I have to show them that we are there to protect and support them.’
Kate started with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 1995, initially working in IT and media and marketing before deciding to become a sworn member.
‘I wanted to make a difference to the community and I could see the work sworn members were doing and things they were achieving and I wanted to be part of that.’
She took to the new role immediately, even though she found certain aspects of policing challenging.
‘When you first come out of training college as a sworn member it is like you are entering a new world because you are often meeting people at their crisis point. You gain a different perspective of our social environment and sometimes see people at their worst or most vulnerable.’
That was the certainly the case when Kate was part of the Child Abuse Team in the Sexual Assault Unit.
‘Working in an area like that you really gain an appreciation of the resilience of people. There are lots of rewards, knowing that you can bring people comfort and help them.’
She then joined the ACT Policing Media and Marketing team.
‘That provided the opportunity to learn about the big picture—how the whole organisation works together and how the community looks at the police service.’
From there, it was an easy transition into her role as the Multicultural Liaison Officer.
‘I’m still very much in touch with the community, working in Crime Prevention. We work very closely with the people of Canberra and reach out through community events like the Canberra Show.’
Kate’s career has taken her down many paths, which is an aspect of the AFP she really values.
‘There are a lot of different areas you can move into because the AFP offers so much diversity and so many opportunities. There is a job in the AFP for everyone, whatever your personality or whatever you are looking for.
‘Whether you have high career aspirations, or just want to make a difference, there is a fit for everyone.’
March 2008