• Dandenong Star

By Melissa Meehan

8th January 2009 11:00:30 AM

Senior Constable Maha Sukkar is the first Australian female police officer to wear a traditional headdress on the beat. 25419

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AUSTRALIA’S first female police officer to wear a traditional Muslim headdress on the beat has joined Region Five’s Multicultural Liaison Unit.

Senior Constable Maha Sukkar, previously based at Narre Warren, has so far spent six months as a uniform member at Dandenong where the Region Five Multicultural Unit is based.

Sen Const Sukkar, who migrated to Australia from Lebanon, speaks Arabic and understands Islamic customs from a first-person perspective.

She says she hopes to draw on her knowledge to build on the relationship between police and Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities in Region Five.

“I want to show Muslim and Arabic-speaking communties that they can trust police,” Sen Const Sukkar said.

“It can be daunting coming from another country to Australia and having to learn a whole new set of laws and customs, let alone the language.”

Sen Const Sukkar said her navy blue headdress, a hijab, had made her one of the most recognisable police officers in Melbourne’s south-east.

“People can identify me straight away,” she said. “A few people see me as a role model, and have said they now aspire to join Victoria Police.”

She joined the police force four years ago because, she said, Australia was “kind enough” to open its doors to her and her family.

“I hope to bring a female touch to the unit, as well as providing a point of contact for women, particularly Muslims, who may be hesitant in approaching or contacting police for either lingual or cultural reasons,” Sen Const Sukkar said.

“If there is a situation involving Arabic-speaking people, I can often chat with them while we wait for an interpreter, and explain the police process to ease any anxiety.

“I also play a role in educating police officers on Muslim customs so they are culturally aware when approaching situations.”

Assistant Commissioner (Region Five) Paul Evans said Sen Const Sukkar would be a valuable addition to the Multicultural Liaison Office, joining Senior Constables Joey Herrech and James Waterson.

“I have known Senior Constable Sukkar since she began at the Police Academy and have been amazed by her work ethic and will to succeed,” Mr Evans said.

“She will be a most welcome addition to our very active Multicultural Liaison Unit based at Dandenong, for both police and the wider community.”

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