Sergeant Caroline Bristow

South Australia Police Officer of the Year 2012 Sergeant Caroline Bristow
SA Police Officer of the Year for 2011 Sergeant Caroline Bristow (centre) with Unley Rotary President Sheila Evans and SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Bryan Fahy

The recipient of South Australia Police Officer of the Year 2011 is Sergeant Caroline Bristow, an officer who not only excels at policing with dedication and innovation but also puts considerable effort into the local community. Carol is the Supervisor of the Murray Mallee Crime Prevention Section at Berri. Carol joined the force in 1986, and was first assigned to patrol work in Adelaide. Two years later she went country and has been there ever since serving on patrols in Port Pirie, as a prosecutor in Berri, thence to the Riverland Community Program and is now supervising crime prevention.

There have been many examples of Carol's selflessness including a recent trip to Tanzania to help build a school and provide teaching skills; receiving the Riverland Women in Business – Business Managers award in 2005; being an intrepid judge of many and varied events in the Riverland; being at all times responsive to requests for assistance. One of the stars on her chart is that she is a Rotary Club Past President. ...and this is perhaps the first time a Rotarian has won the award.

Carol, during her over 20 years in the Riverland, has made major contributions to the Juvenile Justice Framework, Blue Light and Neighbourhood Watch, and often in her own time. Carol has been at the forefront of change. Examples of her initiatives are:

  • being a driving force behind the successful 'Calperum on the Land Program' which changes the lives of 'at risk' juveniles through upskilling, lifting pride through success, and treatment for substance abuse. This program, which she continues to manage, was recognised with a Certificate of Merit at the 2011 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
  • being the catalyst behind the establishment of E-business Watch which strengthens ties between local businesses and police.