South Australia Police is proud to acknowledge three recipients of the Australian Police Medal announced today. Chief Superintendent Graham Goodwin CSC, Superintendent David Scutchings and Senior Sergeant Kelly-Anne Taylor have all been included in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their contribution to policing.
SA Police Acting Commissioner Linda Williams APM said the Australian Police Medal (APM) recognises distinguished service to members of police services.
“The medal recognises Graham’s commitment to leadership and management, most recently in the COVID-19 pandemic and now for Metropolitan Operations Service,” Acting Commissioner Williams said.
“David has had an immense contribution building our capability within PolAir and is well placed to receive this recognition.
“Kelly-Anne’s commitment to Mounted Operations Unit throughout her career, building processes and ensuring the health and wellbeing of our police greys.”
Chief Superintendent Graham GOODWIN CSC
Chief Superintendent Goodwin has served South Australia Police (SAPOL) since joining in 1987. He initially worked in Whyalla and Coober Pedy before moving to criminal investigations both regional and metropolitan areas, before becoming Officer in Charge roles in several Local Service Areas. Since 2010 he has served in Ethical and Professional Standards Branch (EPSB), Internal Investigation Section and Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) while also greatly contributing to SAPOL’s organised crime and drug investigation areas.
Chief Superintendent Goodwin led EPSB and ACB during a period of significant change with the introduction of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Office of Public Integrity in South Australia. He represented the Commissioner of Police in developing new processes and practices for SAPOL which met the intent of the ICAC Act and expectations of the ICAC Commissioner. He also significantly contributed to the review and development of the new Police Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings Act for South Australia.
Most recently he was integral to SAPOL’s significant role in the state’s COVID-19 emergency response by leading the coordination and deployment of resources for both SAPOL and SA Health. He displayed exceptional leadership in collaborating with several government agencies to ensure South Australia’s COVID-19 testing operated efficiently and effectively during times of peak demand.
His extensive experience and professionalism has seen him develop a strong reputation as a recognised leader both within SAPOL and the broader community.
Superintendent David William SCUTCHINGS
Superintendent David Scutchings joined South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1994, initially serving in Elizabeth and Salisbury Patrols and then as a Detective with Elizabeth Criminal Investigation Branch. He was seconded to Operation Avatar where he received a Certificate of Commendation relating to the arrest of a senior outlaw gang member. In 2005 he joined STAR Group Operations Section and shortly afterwards began his police aviation journey as a Tactical Flight Officer.
Since then he has worked tirelessly to improve SAPOL’s aviation capability and is widely recognised as a subject matter expert in police aviation. He has led several upgrades to both the State Rescue Helicopter Service fleet and revitalisation of SAPOL’s fixed wing aviation capability. His exemplary work on Project Sauron resulted in the operationalisation of SAPOL’s inaugural airborne law enforcement aeroplane, ‘The Caravan’, revolutionising the way that SAPOL conducts operations.
Superintendent Scutchings established Operation Gimbal, SAPOL’s longest running and most effective cannabis operation. He has also played an integral role in the SAPOL/SA Ambulance Service aviation procurement and provides high level advice to senior management and government agencies regarding the strategic direction of airborne policing operations in South Australia.
He was also pivotal in launching a new state-of-the-art police vessel. In 2020 he managed Operation COVID-19 (Border Control – Aviation), resulting in 300,000 passengers being safely processed into South Australia via domestic/international airports. In 2021 he managed Crime Gangs Task Force, and in 2022 was promoted to Superintendent and Officer in Charge, Communications Group.
Senior Sergeant Kelly-Anne TAYLOR
Senior Sergeant Kelly-Anne Taylor joined South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1999, initially performing general duties at Transit Services Branch, Sturt and Mount Gambier, then working in bicycle patrols and the Family Violence Section before joining Mounted Operations Unit in 2004.
She is best recognised for her outstanding leadership and managerial qualities as the Officer in Charge of Mounted Operations Unit, which has seen an increase in the operational viability and level of service delivery across the core functions of the Unit.
Senior Sergeant Taylor successfully combines her equestrian expertise and operational policing knowledge to ensure Mounted Operations Unit consistently provides the highest level of support service to the front-line. Her leadership has enhanced the Unit’s operational focus, directly contributing to community safety while balancing the training needs of the Unit and its police horses.
She is committed to the welfare of horses and has managed significant projects regarding the acquisition of horses and equipment, contracts for the procurement of feed and services as well as the relocation of agistment facilities. Having worked within Mounted Operations Unit at every rank from Senior Constable to Senior Sergeant, she has an in-depth understanding of the operational, strategic and equestrian issues associated with mounted police operations.
Senior Sergeant Taylor is recognised both locally and nationally for her innovation and development of best practice processes and systems that substantially contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mounted Operations Unit.
