SPEAKERS

Lauren is Assistant Commissioner of Family Violence Command for Victoria Police. She grew up in Sale and joined Victoria Police in 1994 after completing a cadetship as a newspaper journalist in the Latrobe Valley. Despite initially aspiring to pursue artistic ambitions in graphic design or fine arts, Lauren's decision to join the police force brought a sense of financial relief to her parents. Her career within the police force encompassed various roles and departments. Starting with operational duties in Melbourne, Ballarat, and Geelong, Lauren later took on a promotion to sergeant in the Intelligence and Covert Support Department (ICSC). Over six years in this role, she was involved in forensic intelligence, special projects, and establishing the Sex Offenders Registry, which gained national exposure and provided opportunities for international collaboration in the United Kingdom. Afterward, Lauren served in the Crime Department as an Acting Inspector, focusing on establishing the Violence Against Women and Children Strategy Group. Subsequently, she spent four years at Professional Standards and then assumed a Local Area Command role at Glen Eira Bayside. Returning to the Intelligence and Covert Support Command as a Superintendent, she managed the Offender Management Division and expanded the post-sentencing scheme to encompass violent and serious sex offenders. In 2018, Lauren took on the role of Commander at People Development Command, concentrating on organizational education strategy, specialized training, and ensuring quality outcomes in education and training. Returning to the Academy environment after 25 years proved to be a challenge, but one that she embraced. Her career trajectory led her to become the Assistant Commissioner of Family Violence Command in 2020. This role allowed her to align her policing values, particularly her dedication to gender equality, with her professional responsibilities. Stepping down in 2021 after serving for 11 years on the Board of Victoria Police Legacy, including five years as chair, Lauren aimed to foster a culture of compassion during her tenure. Among her proudest achievements are writing a book on Aboriginal jockey Darby McCarthy titled "Against All Odds," completing three marathons, and raising a considerate and hard-working daughter. Lauren particularly takes pride in her work supporting professional development and career planning for colleagues, especially tailored to assist women in achieving success in policing. The gratification she feels when receiving feedback from people who leave her sessions feeling inspired and empowered to pursue their careers, and even more so when they share news of landing a job, reinforces her commitment to her chosen path.