A policeman for nearly two decades, Senior Sergeant Darren Brand knows all too well the stress domestic violence puts on the system,  and more importantly its victims.

Through his work as southern rivers area prosecutions co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Brand has implemented two projects to make the system less daunting for domestic violence victims.

In May, he introduced a domestic violence clinic to Wagga, which gives victims a one-on-one meeting with police prosecutors to explain how the court process will work.

“It’s important victims get an opportunity to meet with police prosecutors early on to build rapport,” Senior Sergeant Brand said.

More recently, Senior Sergeant Brand has pioneered a Wagga campaign to target high-risk domestic violence offenders by giving police extra resources to successful prosecute perpetrators. 

The recognition for his work was a once in a career opportunity and “very humbling”, he said.

Senior Sergeant Brand won the Wagga police officer of the year award and will attend the state finals in Sydney next Friday.