Taking aim at a new career

Editorial: Lane Mihaljevic

Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

Fresh out of high school, New Zealand born Leading Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson set her sights on becoming a full-time beauty therapist.

But after crossing the ditch to Australia, she quickly realised that massage and hair removal wasn’t her “forever career”.

“I completed my studies in holistic beauty therapy at the Auckland University of Technology when I was 21,” Ldg Sen Const Atkinson said.

“I received the training needed to work in the industry, but also learnt about anatomy and physiology alongside trainee paramedics and nurses, so it was a bit more than your average beauty course.”

After graduating from university, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson spent 12 months working at a day spa, just a 15-minute commute from her home in Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island.

She then moved to Christchurch to try her hand at something totally new.

“I started racetrack riding in 2003, working with a stable to prepare their horses for races,” Ldg Sen Const Atkinson said.

“I liked the work,” she said, “but the money was terrible and so was the weather.”

A year later, in search of sunnier skies and a new start, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson packed her bags and bought a one-way ticket to Melbourne.

“I landed with just $200 in my wallet – and my riding boots,” she said.

“I was bored with beauty therapy, so wanted to continue working with horses. I had a job lined up at Caulfield Racecourse and everything, but it didn’t work out, so I ended up getting a mechanic apprenticeship instead.”

While going from one role to another suited Ldg Sen Const Atkinson’s lifestyle for a while, things changed when she had her first child at the age of 25.

“I never wanted to be a stay-at-home Mum, it just wasn’t for me,” she said.

“That was when I saw a police recruitment ad and thought ‘this gig looks good – I reckon I could do that.’”

On a mission to reboot her career, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson applied to join the force in 2009 and was accepted into the Academy when her second child was just 13 months old.

After graduating, she started work at Dandenong Police Station, then transferred to Cranbourne where she stayed for “quite a while”.

“I just loved the area – there was always work to be done and I was never bored.”

During her time as a general duties police officer, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson had the opportunity to upgrade to the role of sergeant, taking on more responsibility in the station.

She also undertook secondments with the Dandenong Safe Suburbs Tasking Unit and Casey Family Violence Investigation Unit, opportunities she feels were key to broadening her knowledge of policing.

“Secondments are fantastic,” she said. “While they’re only short, they allow you to branch out and try something completely different.”

After getting a taste of what it’s like to work in a specialist unit, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson decided it was time to explore what else the force had to offer.

“Being a horsey person, I always thought I’d end up in the Mounted Branch,” she said, “but then a role in ballistics came up.

“I had an interest in firearms and thought it sounded like a great opportunity, so I went for it and haven’t looked back.”

The Victoria Police Ballistics Unit examines and identifies firearms, ammunition, fired bullets, fired cartridge cases and toolmark damage – a field of policing Ldg Sen Const Atkinson couldn’t wait to dive into.

The unit also attends and examines crime scenes, from drive-by shootings to homicides.

“I absolutely love it,” she said.

“There’s plenty of casework to do, so it’s always pretty busy.

“The job also provides me with the flexibility to be around for my kids, which is exactly what I was looking for.”

Ldg Sen Const Lisa Atkinson is glad she took the leap from her previous roles into policing.

Photo: Jesse Wray-McCann

Because she’s always up for a challenge, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson is even completing further study alongside her day-to-day duties.

“I’m currently doing my Advanced Diploma of Forensic Investigation, and down the track will complete a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Firearm Examination,” she said.

One day, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson hopes to reach “expert level”.

“The road to get there is a long one, but it means you can be an expert witness in court,” she said.

“It’s the end-game, really.”

Drawing on her own career journey, Ldg Sen Const Atkinson’s advice to anyone thinking about joining the force is to make the most of the opportunities available.

“There’s just so much you can do at Victoria Police, so much you haven’t even thought about,” she said.

“Once you do a few years of general duties, think about what interests you and go explore.

“I never thought I would work in ballistics – I never thought I was smart enough – but here I am today.”

Are you made for more?

Are you looking for a career where you can reach your potential and make a difference?

Ever get the feeling you could be made for more?

Victoria Police is recruiting now for an additional 502 police officers to meet the growing needs of the community.

A career with Victoria Police is made for ambitious people looking for more challenges, more purpose and more possibilities.

The majority of Victoria Police members work as general duties police officers, who are the first to respond when community needs arise, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You could be part of the team that makes a difference to the Victorian community every day.

If you’re made for more, apply now. Visit police.vic.gov.au/police