Top honour for inquest work

Senior Constable Janine Treloar receives the Rotorua Police Person of the Year Award from Rotary Club of Rotorua's Barry Lane, left, and Bay of Plenty Coroner Dr Wallace Bain. Photo / Ben Fraser

Police staff from across the Bay of Plenty gathered in Rotorua for the annual pay parade, but it was the Rotorua Police Person of the Year Award that took centre stage.

This year's award, which was presented by the Rotary Club of Rotorua, was given to Senior Constable Janine Treloar, who is the Bay of Plenty's inquest officer.

Mrs Treloar was nominated by Bay of Plenty Coroner Dr Wallace Bain for her diligence, efficiency and record-keeping.

"Rotorua probably doesn't know how lucky they are to have the services of this police officer," Dr Bain said.

"They would not know the work she does behind the scenes and what is required when dealing with a sudden death and in particular when the matter proceeds through to an inquest."

Mrs Treloar said she was overwhelmed at being nominated and more so to be presented with the award. She has been inquest officer for seven years and only took on the role as it needed to be filled.

"I fell into it by default," Mrs Treloar said. "The job needed filling so I stepped in. I think I've found my niche. I truly enjoy inquests and when we can get a good result and make a change.

"The inquest office tends to operate behind the scenes and isn't a well known police role and we only tend to come to light when a loved one has died."

Two inquests that stood out for Mrs Treloar were those that resulted in cyber bullying legislation and an amendment to the Firearms Code.