Brisbane Water Police District has farewelled Detective Senior Sergeant Vivienne Crawford who will hang up her boots this month after 41 years of community service.
Vivienne is the second longest current serving female officer in the NSW Police Force.
She said she was looking forward to her retirement.
“I have enjoyed over 41 years of service in the NSW Police working on some major investigations and will always regard my lengthy service in the Child Protection field and my service at Brisbane Water for the past 16 years as a highlight,” Crawford said.
In an interview with CCN in 2020, Vivienne said she had witnessed many changes in policing over the years but was committed to ensuring female police officers were seen.
“Women have gone through the hard yards … there were very few of us at the beginning,” she said.
“It was actually only two classes before me that female (police) were allowed to wear guns as they were only really doing school and traffic stuff.
“But we can do anything now.”
After being sworn in as a serving officer in December 1980, Vivienne performed General Duties No. 17 District at Ryde, before commencing Criminal Investigation training at No. 16 District, Hornsby just two years later.
During that period, she was seconded to the Family Law Court bombing Task Force.
With the inception of the Regional Crime Squads in July 1985, Vivienne transferred to North Region Crime Squad at Chatswood where she received her designation as a Detective in October 1985.
Vivienne performed duties in many of the teams within the Crime Squad and was part of the team that investigated the ‘Granny Killer’ murders, ‘The Father’s Day Massacre’ and the murder of Dr Victor Chang.
Vivienne was promoted to Detective Sergeant in September 1998 at Chatswood Joint Investigation Team leading investigating child abuse offences.
In September 2004, Vivienne was promoted to the rank of Detective Senior Sergeant as a Coordinator at Child Protection & Sex Crimes Squad.
Four years later Vivienne started duties as Crime Coordinator at Brisbane Water and has performed in that role since, active in areas such as Domestic Violence and Crime Prevention programs.
She also has manned the Brisbane Water Police District’s ‘Eyewatch’ page since its inception in August 2011.
“Each Eyewatch page is individually run, and I have always endeavoured over the years to balance providing relevant information, crime prevention tips and reports on local issues and incidents for your information and attention,” Crawford said.
“Over the years we have been providing information to our community particularly on property crime prevention and I would remind everyone that we all have an individual responsibility to look after our own property, and the simple task of pressing a remote control can prevent the trauma, cost and angst of becoming a victim of property crime.
“Take care and try and treat others as you would wish to be treated!”
The local district paid tribute to Vivienne’s 41 years of community service.
“Vivienne will be remembered as a passionate advocate for her colleagues along with victims of Crime,” Brisbane Water Police said.
“We congratulate her on her significant contribution and on behalf of the Brisbane Water community we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Maisy Rae