Veronica Gorrie, a proud Gunai/Kurnai woman, has always been driven by a desire to make a difference. This determination led her to a career in law enforcement, a choice rooted in a deeply personal mission: to shield her children from the fear that had overshadowed her own childhood. "I didn't want my kids to grow up with the same intense fear that I had towards police," Gorrie shared with ABC News. Her fear was not without cause. Recalling her youth, Gorrie explained how, whenever her father spotted police while driving, he would utter the word "gungais," the Gunai/Kurnai term for police. T

Veronica Gorrie, a proud Gunai/Kurnai woman, has always been driven by a desire to make a difference. This determination led her to a career in law enforcement, a choice rooted in a deeply personal mission: to shield her children from the fear that had overshadowed her own childhood. "I didn't want my kids to grow up with the same intense fear that I had towards police," Gorrie shared with ABC News. Her fear was not without cause. Recalling her youth, Gorrie explained how, whenever her father spotted police while driving, he would utter the word "gungais," the Gunai/Kurnai term for police. The word alone was enough to send her and her siblings diving to the floor of the car, instinctively hiding from the law enforcement officers. This fear, ingrained from a young age, inspired Gorrie to take action. She decided to join the police force, hoping to change the system from within and to foster a more just and empathetic relationship between law enforcement and Indigenous communities. Gorrie served as a police officer, confronting the harsh realities of the profession. Her experiences on the force were eye-opening, revealing both the challenges and the systemic issues that plague the institution. These insights eventually led her to take on a new role as an advocate and a voice for change. Today, Gorrie is the editor of When Cops Are Criminals, an anthology that brings together stories highlighting instances where those entrusted with upholding the law have crossed the line. The anthology is a powerful collection that challenges the traditional narratives surrounding police conduct and calls for accountability within the force. Through her work, Gorrie aims to spark crucial conversations about the role of police in society and the need for reform. Her journey from a fearful child to a determined police officer, and now an editor and advocate, underscores her unwavering commitment to justice and her community. When Cops Are Criminals is more than just a book; it's a call to action. It reflects Gorrie's belief that true change begins with acknowledging and addressing the wrongs within the system. For her, this work is not just about exposing the flaws—it's about paving the way for a future where Indigenous people no longer have to live in fear of those mean

A little more informed. A little more connected.