Meet Disability Liaison Officer Senior Sergeant Karen Barnes

This year’s theme for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.  

In the spirit of celebrating people with disability and bringing awareness to our Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs), we spoke with Senior Sergeant Karen Barnes and what she, and the proactive team at ND1, were doing to bridge the gap between police officers and people with disability in her community.    

VP: Karen, thanks for chatting with us. You're now 24 years in the job, what factors first drew you to the industry all those years ago?  

KB: I wanted a career that made me excited to go to work every day. Becoming a police officer has given me so many amazing opportunities and after 24 years, I still love what I do.    

VP: Can you tell us a little about why you chose to become a DLO and why you think the role is an important one in the organisation?  

KB: Growing up alongside a family member with cerebral palsy gave me a personal insight into the disadvantages that people with disability often face. The DLO role allows me to use my lived experience to raise awareness amongst my colleagues and ensure Victoria Police provides fair, accessible and inclusive service to people with disability. 

VP: Working within the Proactive Policing Unit (PPU) at ND1, what are some of the initiatives and responsibilities your team carries out with the community?  

KB: Our PPU attends events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Step up for Down Syndrome and Source Disability Expo. We also work with wonderful organisations such as Down Syndrome Victoria, and The Big issue Magazine. 

Through our referral pathways we have regular involvement with organisations and carers for people with disabilities in educating and raising awareness around police procedures to break down barriers and encourage approachability.  

We also work with Housing Choices Australia supporting people with disabilities presenting on subjects such as personal safety and reporting crime to police and visit sites to review security and provide reassurance.     

Next year, our team are excited to run the ‘Disability Police Academy’ program which is designed to break down barriers between police and people with disability. 

VP: What's one thing you love most about your job?  

KB: Working at the PPU provides so much opportunity to create relationships with all members of our community. From working with local schools, participating in community events, providing outreach to those sleeping rough, as well as youth at risk. I also get to work with some amazing people every day.    

VP: This IDPwD, is there a message you wish to get out there?  

KB: We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It is essential that people with a disability feel comfortable to approach us and ask for help and that every interaction is a positive one. We are working hard to make sure this is felt in the community.   

VP: And lastly, what does this year's theme mean to you?  

KB: Everyone should be able to have a say in decisions made about their own lives, people with disabilities deserve the same rights as everyone else. I love this theme because it highlights the importance of this and celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities. 

Disability Liaison Officers help and support people with disability who need help accessing police services. You can find DLOs all around Victoria, in every Police Service Area. 

Want to learn more?  

Check out details here.