Margaret River police Sgt Simone Taplin wins at WA Excellence Awards

Margaret River’s top cop has won recognition from her peers as part of WA’s annual Police Excellence Awards.

Sgt Simone Taplin won in the prestigious individual operational performance category, which acknowledged how the career officer and former detective’s “outstanding leadership and emotional intelligence shone through” in her work.

Singling out her skill and compassion in managing tragic incidents in the community, the award judges said Sgt Taplin’s commitment to “operational excellence” was worthy of merit.

“Her commitment to establishing a culture of trust, mutual respect and inclusion is apparent within her team,” the judges said.

Commissioner Col Blanch added to the praise, which saw the awards highlight the work of different officers and units across WA.

“One-hundred-and-eighty-one remarkable nominations were received and every submission told a compelling story of exceptional service, care and duty,” he said.

“The nominations demonstrated the many and varied ways WA Police Force officers go above and beyond to serve, protect and engage with the community.”

Sgt Taplin told the Times she was humbled by the award, but the true accolades should be directed to her team.

“An award as a police officer as an individual does not feel right as we do everything as a team, so I feel like this award is for all of the officers I have worked with, alongside and for, who have guided and developed me into the officer I am today,” she said.

“Also a thanks to my family, who understand the sacrifice of an officer and support me unwavering to serve the community I love.”

Police Minister Paul Papalia welcomed the awards as a chance to honour police’s “tireless efforts”.