Maybe it started when you were a kid who felt safe whenever you saw an officer stroll past in full uniform.
Or perhaps watching re-runs of Law and Order saw you become fascinated with the process of investigating and solving crimes.
However your interest in policing started, if it has grown into a passion and commitment to helping and protecting others and making a difference in your community, you may be ready to start the journey towards becoming a police officer.
But you’ll need to be prepared for a long road to get there. The recruitment process itself can take six to 12 months, and that’s not including the preparation you need to do before you even submit the application.
Here’s how to become a police officer in Victoria:
1. Make sure policing is right for you
Even if you’ve watched every cop show from Brooklyn 99 to The Bill, that doesn’t mean joining the police is the right move for you.
The reality of policing will include a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, dealing with confronting and complex situations and lots and lots of paperwork. It can be very rewarding, but also challenging.
To learn more about the job, you can attend a Victoria Police recruitment information session.
2. Check you meet the entry requirements
Before you get too invested in your policing career plans, you’ll need to make sure you meet the Victoria Police entry requirements.
If you do have any prior convictions, cautions, diversions, good behaviour bonds or excessive driving offences, you can submit a Disclosure Form before you start the application process to find out if your history is likely to disqualify you from being considered.
Similarly, if you have a medical condition it would be best to check if you will meet the minimum medical requirements before you go any further.
There are also requirements for education, citizenship, associations, communication skills, work experience, fitness, an Australian driver’s licence and a First Aid Certificate, so read the list very carefully.
3. Consider studying a course
Studying a course isn’t a requirement to become a police officer, but the skills and knowledge you gain can help you to succeed.
The Diploma of Justice 22320VIC will help you to gain a solid understanding of the legal system, criminal justice system, family violence, policing and investigation processes, border protection, criminal law, cultural diversity and management of offenders. The Advanced Diploma of Justice 22321VIC further builds on these skills and also includes fields of study encompassing psychology, criminology and working with complex clients. There’s also the possibility of work placement at the Victoria Police Academy.
Chisholm Institute Justice and Legal Education Manager James Vatousios said the knowledge gained from study was very helpful during the recruitment process.
“During the panel interview they may ask you what you would do if you walked into a domestic violence situation where a man was threatening a women with a hammer. If you’ve studied you’ll know what to do and the answer will come to you a lot more easily.”
James said past students had told him the knowledge they’d gained during their studied helped them become better officers.
“As a police officer you’ve got to make split second decision and education helps you be able to do that, you’re more efficient because you know what to do and how to act.”
4. Get all the work experience you can
Whether you’re studying a course or not, the police force looks favourably on those with life and work experience.
If you’re planning to apply at a young age, or straight out of school, it’s recommended to gain experience in a customer service role, volunteering for community organisation, being involved in a sports club and overseas travel.
5. Get fit!
Fitness is an absolute must if you want to be a police member. After all, you’ll need to be able to jump fences, chase down and restrain crims. You’ll need to pass a comprehensive fitness test as part of the recruitment process, including strength and cardio tests.
Victoria Police has an app to help you to get fit, and stay fit. It includes specific exercises to help you with your technique for the components of the fitness test.
Start building up your fitness now as once you apply you could be called in for the test with short notice. So, hit the running track, pick up those kettlebells and get going!
6. Prepare to be tested and challenged
Fitness isn’t the only challenge you’ll face during the process. James says you’ll go through several stages to ensure you’re suitable for the force. “There’s lots of different hurdles,” he says. “Once you’ve passed the medical, cognitive and physical (fitness), the last part is the psychological testing.”
James says those who have studied a justice course will be able to use their skills and knowledge during the entrance exam and interviews.
Make sure to read up on all the testing you’ll face during the recruitment process.
7. Train up at the Victoria Police Academy
If you were successful during the recruitment stage, you will go into a candidate pool and, when your time comes, head off to the Victoria Police Academy for an intensive 31 week training program.
Be prepared to work very hard at the academy. You’ll need be very committed to succeeding in your training.
8. Graduation
Making it to this final step is a proud moment and the culmination of a lot of hard work for any recruit. You’ll don your uniform and receive your badge, with your loved ones proudly watching on.
You are now ready to hit the beat as a Probationary Constable. Your training will continue on the job. Good luck!
