A detective who co-ordinated more than 30 firearms investigations in southern Tasmania, resulting in multiple seizures of illegal guns, has been recognised as the Tasmania Police Investigator of the Year 2026.
Bridgewater Criminal Investigations Branch Detective Sergeant Sam Storer has been acknowledged for his outstanding leadership and expertise across serious and complex criminal investigations over the past 12 months.
Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said Detective Sergeant Storer's investigations have had a direct impact on community safety through the disruption of firearms-related crime, multiple arrests, and the protection of vulnerable members of the community.
"During the past year at Bridgewater CIB, Sam has co-ordinated more than 30 significant firearms investigations involving firearm discharges, wounding incidents, unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms, and firearms theft," Assistant Commissioner Blackwood said.
"His work has contributed to the apprehension and prosecution of offenders while removing multiple firearms from criminal circulation.
"Equally significant is Sam's commitment to developing investigative capability within Tasmania Police. Through mentoring, coaching, and knowledge-sharing, he has supported the growth of emerging detectives and strengthened investigative expertise across our organisation."
Over the course of his 11-year policing career, Detective Sergeant Storer has worked in several investigative areas including Kingston CIB, Bridgewater CIB, Southern Firearms and Drugs Squad and the High-Risk Child Exploitation Unit.
As a member of Bridgewater CIB, Detective Sergeant Storer has co-ordinated firearms and serious crime investigations with Tasmania Police resources, plus collaboration with interstate and federal law enforcement agencies. This includes investigations involving witness interference and working with New South Wales Police to locate and extradite offenders for serious offences.
Detective Sergeant Storer said the key to successful investigations was in teamwork.
"No investigation is a solo effort, so this recognition really belongs to the great team that I work alongside with at Bridgewater CIB. If policing has taught me anything, it's that one person might make an arrest, but it takes a whole team to make a case," he said.
Detective Sergeant Storer said police placed a high value on the partnership with the community in cracking down on illegal firearms and illicit drugs.
"Firearms in the wrong hands have the potential to turn almost any criminal situation into a tragedy. Fortunately, Tasmania remains a relatively safe place, but we can't afford to be complacent. Every illegal firearm we seize is one less firearm available to be used to intimidate, injure or potentially kill someone," he said.
"The public plays a huge role. Many of our best leads come from people who trust us enough to share information. Someone might think a piece of information is insignificant but to investigators, it can be the missing piece of a much larger puzzle."
The annual Tasmania Police Investigator of the Year Award recognises officers who have demonstrated exceptional investigative skill, dedication, and professionalism.
Detective Sergeant Storer is the fourth recipient of the award, following Detective Sergeant Paul Turner (2025), Detective Sergeant Nathan Hartnett (2024) and Detective Senior Constable Melanie Nichols (2023) as previous recipients.
