National Police Memorial

In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.

The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.

On this day

Detective Sergeant

Richard Charles WHITTAKER

YEAR OF DEATH

28 September 1991

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Before his death Detective Sergeant Whittaker and other Police had been involved in a major drug investigation which had resulted in the arrest of eighteen offenders. Corruption allegations were made by a number of the offenders resulting in a Police Internal Security Unit investigation. During the protracted internal investigation the Sergeant was under enormous pressure and as a result suffered a cerebral haemorrhage. He passed away at the Royal North Shore Hospital on 28 September 1991. He was posthumously cleared of all allegations by Judge Allen at the Sydney District Court on 30 September 1991. The Sergeant was born in 1960 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 17 April 1979. At the time of his death he was attached to the Gosford Drug Unit.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.