"Our Law": Indigenous officers bridging the gap in Australia's policing

The much-anticipated return of the observational documentary series, "Our Law,” on NITV and SBS, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of First Nations police officers as they navigate the complexities of policing in Indigenous communities across Australia. In its second season, the series continues to break new ground, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Indigenous officers working to change the system from within.

Leading up to the premiere of season 2 of "Our Law”, NITV Radio caught up with Acting Sergeant Patricia Pedro, one of the officers whose journey as a First Nations woman and police officer is told in the documentary.

She said, policing her community isn't just a job—it's a responsibility deeply ingrained in her identity as an Indigenous woman.

“I come in this role as a police officer and as a First Nations woman. I come with both lenses, and I can use that to my advantage when I’m dealing with my own people,” Acting Sergeant Patricia Pedro said.

As First Nations officers, we don’t only work for ourselves. We work for our families; our communities and we work for our people. We have an obligation to pass on cultural knowledge.

Acting Sergeant Patricia Pedro

She further explained that every day she steps onto Country knowing that her work is not just about enforcing the law, but also working to rebuild trust and bridge the gap between law enforcement and Indigenous communities—a gap that has been widened by centuries of colonization and systemic injustice.

“Our people have had a complicated relationship between First Nations people and the police since colonisation, including removing our children. So, there is an issue of trust.”

Premiering on NITV and SBS on May 9 at 8.30 pm, series two of ‘Our Law’ expands its focus beyond Western Australia, delving into the experiences of officers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the Torres Strait.

Together with other Indigenous uniformed and non-uniformed officers, they serve as role models who are instrumental in breaking the vicious cycles of Indigenous overincarceration.

“I’m working in the training space, with other First Nations Officers, helping to develop and deliver cultural capabilities. By doing that we are helping the force deliver effective service in our communities.”

“If me and other officers in the series can encourage other First Nations young people to join the police then that will benefit the organisation and the community, especially our people.”