A Logan police officer dedicated to child safety has been nominated for an award after 10 years of service to the community.
Detective Senior Constable Belinda Peacock, an investigator with the Logan District Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU), was nominated for a QBANK Everyday Hero Award for her work keeping local kids safe.
With 10 years of experience working as a school-based officer and an investigator in the CPIU, Ms Peacock is studying a PhD in Criminology.
Through her studies she is developing an internet-based self-help program for online child sex offenders in Queensland – the first of its kind in Australia.
Ms Peacock said she was grateful to be recognised for her work in Logan, an area where she is constantly learning.
“The Logan district is a widespread and diverse community. This makes for a very busy area full of challenges and rewarding opportunities,” she said.
“I feel honoured to be nominated for the QBANK Everyday Hero Award and a little undeserving because I’m just doing my job, like all police.”
“Receiving this nomination is a kind reminder that, while many emergency services personnel do not always feel positively recognised, the work we do does not go unnoticed by the community.”
Ms Peacock said her studies enabled her to follow her passion for child safety and work towards bettering her community.
“I feel privileged to work in a role where I can police both proactively and reactively to child safety,” she said.
“I’m very passionate about this area of policing and enjoy sharing my knowledge about reportable offenders to help police and the community better understand how they can help.”
The hero awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate the exceptional achievements of people within service industries in Queensland, including police, fire, health. corrections, justice and the public service.
There are six award categories: achievement, ownership, dedication, working together, excellence and the young everyday hero award.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and will receive $2000, as well as another $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
The finalists will be announced in September and winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 27 October.
