Police medal a bolt from blue

TASMANIA’S Assistant Commissioner of police, Jonathan Higgins, didn’t have any expectations at the start of his career but he’s always known one thing — he never wanted to do anything else.

AC Higgins, who joined Tasmania Police just shy of 20 years ago, has been awarded the Australian Police Medal in today’s Queen’s Birthday honours. A “very honoured and very humbled” AC Higgins said the honour was “certainly a surprise”.

“The support that I’ve received from family, friends and colleagues over the past 20 years is why I’m a police officer. They make the job what it is,” he said.

“I’m motivated by the diversity in the job. I’ve served in all parts of the state, in drug investigations, in human resources and as the Commander of the Western District.”

He rose through the ranks, becoming Sergeant in 2006, Senior Sergeant in 2009 before being appointed Inspector in 2015. Between then and his appointment to Assistant Commissioner last year, which also carries responsibility for the specialist support portfolio, were two more promotions and secondment to a counterterrorism role.

“AC Higgins fosters teamwork, motivates staff to overcome challenges, leads by example and demonstrates high-level initiative,” Commissioner Darren Hine said.

“He develops staff achieves outcomes through encouraging them to challenge assumptions and traditional approaches to enhance their capabilities in what is an everchanging political, social and economic environment.”

Commissioner Hine said the “inclusive leader” also had “high level investigative and operational leadership skills”.

Despite various tertiary qualifications in science, social science and public sector management, AC Higgins always wanted to remain with the force.

”I do take opportunities when they present to me but I’m very happy seven months into my new role and I’ve got many years left in policing,” AC Higgins said.

“I didn’t have any expectations 20 years ago but as you become aware of what happens in policing you take opportunities and follow them where they lead.

“I wouldn’t do anything else. This is the only job that I’ve ever wanted to do after finishing my first university degree.”

Jonathan Higgins APM