The policing sector is constantly evolving. With new challenges arising every day, empowering policing professionals with cutting-edge skills, to boost Australia’s law enforcement capabilities has never been more important.
At 25 years old Constable Liam Hanley is one of many officers taking steps to keep Australia safe. Attached to the New South Wales Police Force State Intelligence Command, Constable Hanley is embedded in the Organised Crime Squad, supporting the Anti-Money Laundering Team and the Unexplained Wealth Team. There, he “assists in proactively identifying vulnerabilities in criminals involved in serious organised crime.”
Constable Liam Hanley
Constable Hanley’s job takes him around New South Wales, where he says he works with various agencies “conducting complex financial analysis, to identify criminal behaviours and present [his] findings to investigators in an easy-to-comprehend format.”
From graduation to playing a key role
Just four years on from graduation, Constable Hanley is working in the fast-paced world of anti-money laundering and financial crimes. He says he’s found himself right at the heart of the action, where he’s helping to make the world safer and fairer. During his career, he’s played a part in stopping billions of dollars being syphoned out of national coffers – giving it back to governments, who can use it to improve communities around the world.
Earlier this year, NSWPF’s Organised Crime Squad was part of a joint investigation, targeting and confiscating unexplained wealth and assets. Through their investigations, officers were able to seize more than $7 million worth of property, luxury cars, jewellery, a case of gold bullions, watches, 14 high-end handbags and thousands of dollars in cash – believed to have been accumulated through organised criminal activity in Sydney’s west.
New powers mean that ‘big players’ who have previously been able to enjoy their wealth by keeping their heads down, can now be brought in front of a court and forced to explain how they make their money.
A Charles Sturt alumnus, Constable Hanley believes our university gave him a detailed understanding of the financial regulations and compliance requirements that impact Australia.
“As such, I have the ability to analyse financial data and identify discrepancies which may indicate criminal or illicit behaviour”. He said.
Further in-career study
While studying to become a police officer, Constable Hanley realised he enjoyed university and was curious and energised by the possibility of learning and enhancing his work. Starting on the force, he found that a policeman’s roster gave him blocks of spare time – and he wanted to fill it with further study. So he went on to complete a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Masters in Intelligence Analysis.
The course subjects provided me with relevant and important skills that I use on a daily basis. My degree is more than a piece of paper.”
Constable Liam Hanley
“The course subjects provided me with relevant and important skills that I use on a daily basis. My degree is more than a piece of paper. The analytical skills that I have learned through my studies are used daily, and help me to be a valuable member of my team.” Constable Hanley said.
Now, Constable Hanley is finishing a Master of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing – through Charles Sturt’s Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS). After accepting his Doctorate in Public Safety, he is conducting ground-breaking research into money laundering through trade transactions – with a thesis into the real-world impact of financial crimes around the globe.
Constable Hanley doesn’t consider himself an academic, but says Charles Sturt made it easy to keep studying and learning new things.
“Raising a daughter, working full-time and completing university is no easy task. But Charles Sturt’s online flexibility has provided me with the ability to learn in my spare time and progress my career.” He said.
It also gave him opportunities he never imagined. Selected by Charles Sturt Global as a representative, Constable Hanley recently returned from a trip to England, where he attended the 40th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime. Inspired by his learnings, he used the opportunity to build his understanding of Australia’s position within the architecture of international financial crime and prevention.
When asked to give advice to those looking to progress their career in the police force, Constable Hanley had this pearl of wisdom.
“If you are thinking about becoming a police officer, make sure you have a can-do attitude and pride yourself on helping your mates and serving your community.”
A global leader
Charles Sturt’s Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security is recognised as a global leader in research and education for professionals in law enforcement, investigations, counter-terrorism, law, emergency management, leadership and security.
We also offer a suite of micro-credentials in anti-money laundering, fraud and financial crime that can help further your career. These bite-sized pieces of education give you industry relevant skills, in a short amount of time, to help you excel in the workplace.
Plus, we are Australia’s most experienced online university, meaning we are the perfect choice for those who are looking to upskill and fit study around their current professional and personal commitments. People just like Constable Hanley.
Applications to study in 2024 are open now. For more information visit us online or contact our team.
