Detective upfor WA award

A West Pilbara Detective has been named as a finalist in the WA Police Excellence Awards for her dedicated efforts in bringing child abuse cases to light and protecting victims.

Detective Sergeant Gina Horch is one of only three officers short-listed in the individual category of the annual awards, which recognise dedication and excellence in policing service.

Pilbara District Police Superintendent Paul Coombes said Det-Sgt Horch was the lead investigating officer of Operation Fledermaus, the ongoing Pilbara district investigation into child sexual abuse, and it had been her ability to build rapport with community members that had made victims feel safe in coming forward.

“Her initiative allowed people to confide and disclose to her the endemic nature of child sexual abuse existing in the West Pilbara communities including Roebourne, Cheeditha, Five Mile, Wickham and Karratha,” he said.

“As a result of Det. Sgt Horch’s initiative, Operation Fledermaus was formulated to identify, locate and arrest those persons responsible for serious sexual abuse of children.”

Det-Sgt Horch is also a supervisor at the West Pilbara Detectives office.

Supt Coombes said the award nomination was a fitting recognition for her commitment.

“Det. Sgt Horch is an outstanding candidate for this year’s Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards because she exemplifies the characteristics that promote WA Police and community confidence,” he said.

“(She) has consistently worked above and beyond her call of duty and achieved outstanding results.”

The award winners will be announced at an event in Perth on December 7.