Warrnambool-based sex assault unit detectives have been recognised as the best team of investigators in Victoria.
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Detective Sergeant Leigh Wheatley, of the Warrnambool police sex offences and child abuse investigation team, said that the unit members took out the Victoria Police Mick Miller Investigator of the Year Outstanding Team Award this week.
A four-member team - comprising lead investigator Jacqui Eaton, co-leader Blake Amos and detectives Laura Jordan and Di Cahill started looking into a horrific incest case during 2015.
That case is still going through the court system.
Detective Sergeant Wheatley said the case was expected to take more than five years to complete.
He said there were four categories in the Mick MIller awards, individual investigator, as well as regional, team and command categories.
"It's a highly-prized award," he said.
"There are a number of criteria including innovative techniques, pioneering methodologies, initiative, resourcefulness, overcoming unusual obstacles, extenuating circumstances, length time of investigation and personal sacrifice.
Detective Sergeant Wheatley said the Warrnambool based unit covered south-west Victoria, from Colac to the South Australian border and to north of Hamilton.
"Since the implementation of the SOCIT units in 2010 there has been an enormous change in public perception and attitudes to reporting sex assault," he said.
"We investigate a lot of historic offences and continually drive for those offences to be reported, regardless of when they happened.
"We have an outstanding dedicated team who specialise in assisting victims of sexual abuse.
"This not only includes the investigative and court process, but also victim support through various services, including specialised referrals."
Detective Sergeant Wheatley encouraged any victims of sexual assault to report offences by contacting the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"We encourage victims of sexual assault, child abuse and family violence to continue to come forward to report offending with the knowledge they have a great team of detectives ready to help them," he said.
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