Anita Dodds, RMIT University

For almost twenty years, Vietnam and Australia have united to provide specialised programs for emerging police, immigration and customs leaders.  Through the delivery of an innovative training model, participants strengthen their leadership, build their networks and emerge with a new mindset on tackling key border security and transnational crime issues.

Ms Anita Dodds OAM is the RMIT University Program Manager and Facilitator of two of Australia’s flagship transnational law enforcement programs in the region (and beyond):

• the Asia Region Management Law Enforcement Program (ARLEMP) - a joint initiative between the Australian Federal Police and Vietnam Ministry of Public Security; and
• the Border Control Agency Management Program (BCAMP) - a collaboration between the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Vietnam Ministry of Public Security.

In recognition of this work, in 2023, Anita was awarded the Vietnam National Security Protection Medal by the Minister of Public Security. Vietnam MPS regard this as the most noble award for individuals who have made great contributions to protect Vietnam’s national security.  Vietnam MPS recognised that over the past 13 years, Anita Dodds’ contribution has been highly meaningful in promoting cooperation between Vietnamese and Australian law enforcement agencies to counter transnational organised crime.

In 2019, Anita Dodds also received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of her service to international law enforcement education.

As Anita says “Organised criminals actively work together in sophisticated networks. Through these joint programs, the Vietnamese government, Australian government and law enforcement partners in over 60 countries are fighting criminal networks with a stronger law enforcement network.  We realise not one single country has all the answers.  Together, we are so much stronger in combatting transnational crime.  Thanks to the partnership between Vietnam and Australia, there has been a transformational change in the way law enforcement partners are addressing transnational crime.  The future generation of law enforcement leaders realise the benefits of sharing intelligence, investing in human capital and building trusted interagency partnerships.”

Through this partnership between Vietnam, Australia and RMIT University, over 100 programs have been delivered for over 2,300 emerging law enforcement leaders in 63 countries – all facilitated by Anita (and with “no boring bits”).  The most significant outcome is the daily interaction between these partners, across borders, to prevent, detect and disrupt transnational crime. 

Together we are stronger!