Earlier this year, Leading Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson and Leading Senior Constable Chris Di Ciero stopped for a quick chat with local artist Leon Pappas at Benalla’s Creating Community Connections Expo.
The interaction was such a positive experience for Leon that he picked up his paintbrush and added the two police members into his masterpiece.
Today, Leon presented the framed artwork to Leading Sen Constable Atkinson and Leading Sen Constable Di Ciero, who were honoured to have their community connections captured in the stunning artwork.
“To me the picture represents two members helping keep people safe while enjoying beach activities,” Leading Sen Constable Atkinson said.
“A great part of the role in the Proactive Policing Unit is getting to interact with the community, and this artwork will always remind me how each small interaction can have a big impact.”
Victoria Police said it understood the importance of community partnerships in reducing crime and providing a safer place to live.
Its Proactive Policing Unit is often building links with the local community, schools and young people, multicultural communities, local businesses and traders, local groups and agencies.
To learn more about how Victoria Police community partnerships, visit police.vic.gov.au/our-community