The station was awarded a certificate of commendation for exceptional work supporting people with disability as part of the 2025 Public Advocate Police Awards.
The ceremony was held at Police Headquarters in Melbourne on Tuesday, February 24.
Seymour Police Station was nominated for the commendation by Independent Third Persons — volunteers trained and supported by the Office of the Public Advocate.
ITPs sit in on police procedures to help people with cognitive impairment understand what's happening and facilitate communication between the person and police.
Victoria's Public Advocate, Dan Stubbs, said ITPs provided a vital safeguarding service for people with disability during interactions with police.
“We know people with disability are overrepresented at all stages in the justice system,” he said.
“Behaviours related to a person's impairment, trauma or health conditions may be interpreted by authorities as defiance, leading to disproportionate police interaction.
“Unless the person with disability is properly supported during these interactions, the inherent power imbalance and a lack of understanding of processes can compound disadvantage and lead to inequitable outcomes.”
In their nomination, an ITP volunteer highlighted how Seymour police members reassured an alleged offender who was embarrassed about needing an ITP.
The members provided information about the role of an ITP in the interview, and the person subsequently agreed to talk to her and have her present during the interview.
“A crucial part of policing is protecting those members of the community who, due to disability or cognitive impairment, are more vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, coercion and abuse,” Mr Stubbs said.
During the 2024-25 period, 96 ITPs supported a record 5388 police procedures, marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous year and the highest number in the program's history.
Fifteen of these attendances were at the Seymour station.
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