Secret life of police

Editorial: Grant Condon

‘The King’ isn’t an official rank in the Victoria Police hierarchy, but if it was, it would probably belong to Leading Senior Constable Scott Woodford.

That’s because for the past four years, the leading senior constable, based in the Prosecutions Unit at the Dandenong Police Station, has been taking on the persona of Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock ‘n’ roll.

Despite being a lifelong fan of the Mississippi rocker, it took Ldg Sen Const Woodford a trip to the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival in New South Wales to kick-start his transformation.

The annual festival celebrates all things Elvis and is attended by 25,000 people, including thousands of impersonators.

“I went just as a fan. I was watching an amateur tribute performance competition and when the first bloke got up and started singing, I looked at my partner and we both said I could do better than that,” Ldg Sen Const Woodford said.

Having decided it was now or never, Ldg Sen Const Woodford undertook five months of singing lessons, invested in a costume and returned to Parkes the following year to make his debut as The King in front of 2,000 people.

With the addition of a wig, some glitzy accessories and an iconic jumpsuit, Ldg Sen Const Scott Woodford quickly goes from prosecutor to Presley as an Elvis impersonator in his spare time.

From that moment, Ldg Sen Const Woodford couldn’t help falling in love with impersonating and now finds himself performing at the events of family and friends, as well as the odd office Christmas party.

The lively performances are a major breakaway from the usually “reserved” personality of Ldg Sen Const Woodford, who has served in Victoria Police for 23 years, working most of his career in Highway Patrol units across the state.

“Elvis commanded attention as soon as he took the stage. He knew all eyes were on him and he was absolutely captivating, so you’ve got to try and emulate that,” Ldg Sen Const Woodford said.

It’s not a stress-free hobby however, as Led Sen Const Woodford must choose which is his favourite song to perform.

And it’s not Jailhouse Rock as his profession may suggest.

“It’s a hard choice, considering Elvis recorded more than 700 songs,” he said.

“I think Bridge Over Troubled Water is my favourite right now, or An American Trilogy is a great song to belt out.”

Ldg Sen Const Woodford must also decide between his five Elvis outfits – two diamantécovered jump suits, a full leather ensemble and two casual outfits featuring dress shirts and flared pants.

“Then there’s the wig, the sunglasses and all of the jewellery, of course,” Led Sen Const Woodford said.