The unassuming sergeant has been internationally recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Mount Isa community. 

“It is amazing to be recognised on a world wide arena, I am absolutely blown away,” Sgt Scott said. 

Police minister Mark Ryan last night welcomed the news Sgt Scott was one of three Queensland police officers to receive International Association of Women Police awards.

Sgt Scott will be awarded the community service award “her exemplary actions within the Mount Isa community”. 

She will travel to Canada in August to pick up her award at the IAWP’s 56th annual training conference.

Mr Ryan said Sgt Scott had identified challenges within the Mount Isa area, particularly with youth crime and sought to resolve these issues by implementing a weekly program named ‘Chillin’.

The program provides ‘at risk’ youths free activities including sport, art and craft and referral options to community groups for further support. The initiative has increased community confidence in police and has significantly decreased disengagement among youths, Mr Ryan said. 

Sgt Scott has recently finished up as the branch manager of the Mount Isa PCYC – a role she served in for the past eight years. 

“My focus has been on children because I see them as not always having a voice and they are our most vulnerable. Especially being rural and remote, the kids do not have as many opportunities or services and need a bit more of a hand at times,” Sgt Scott said. 

“Young people are the core of our community and I have been really lucky that I have been in a position where I have seen problems and been able to do something about them. 

“Police are not just there to be reactive, we really want to help and we are part of the community too.”

After eight years as the PCYC boss she has moved back to policing duties at the Mount Isa watch house. 

Sgt Scott, who hails from the Mount Isa region, began her policing career 26 years ago.

“I grew up in Gunpowder back in the 70s and I lived next door to the police and I had some fantastic role models,” she said.

“I always wanted to be a police officer because I saw they were such an integral part of the community and I though this is what I want to do with my life.”

Sgt Scott said she still remembers the first day she put on her uniform. 

“I was super proud and I thought I was going to change the world. I am wiser now and not naive enough to think that I will change the world, but I feel like I have been able to make a difference and I have achieved a lot of my goals,” she said. 

“You get back three fold what you give, so if you invest in your community it will prosper. It is a win-win.”

Times have changed since her first day on the beat and women are now much more respected in the force. 

“Women have made huge inroads in policing some of the challenges we faced when we first started we only had culottes and we were just out of the handbag phase – there has been such a huge improvement,” Sgt Scott said. 

“We now have the opportunity to achieve just as much as male police officers.

“We have come such a long way, I do not feel there is a gender divide anymore, our physical strength is always going to be a disadvantage but the police service has found innovative ways to keep us level, with things like pepper spray and tasers,” she said.

“I have absolutely loved my career and I am still enjoying it, you do not get bored and every day is different. I encourage young girls if they are thinking about a career, police is a fantastic way to go.”

Other Queensland recipients of the International Association of Women Police awards are Supt Virginia Nelson and Sen. Constable Catherine Nielsen.

Supt Nelson is being recognised for her significant role in the support and development in women in policing, and Sen. Constable Nielsen is receiving a bravery award after trying to save her colleague Sen. Constable Brett Forte in the line of duty last year.

Police minister Ryan said the three recipients had proven a range of skills and attributes that enable Queenslanders to place their faith and confidence in their police service.

“They are a credit to the Queensland Police Service, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends,” Mr Ryan said. 

“All three recipients should be very proud of their achievements.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart acknowledged the dedication of each of the recipients.

"It is a great honour for three QPS officers to be recognised for such significant awards,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Each recipient has shown their individual outstanding contribution and commitment to serve the Queensland community.Their leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards which are expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.

"I would like to congratulate and give my own personal thanks to each of the officers and also recognise them on behalf of the service,” he said.