Caillan’s change of pace

Editorial: Nadine Lyford

Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

When Constable Caillan Hoole entered the Victoria Police Academy as a recruit, he brought with him a bit of insider knowledge.

Const Hoole is one of the increasing number of Victoria Police's Victorian Public Service employees (VPS) to have traded their support role for a career on the frontline.

It was late in 2020 that Const Hoole decided to make the move from his native Queensland to Victoria, applying for a job as a VPS employee with Victoria Police.

“I was already looking to make the move to Victoria when I saw an advertisement for an executive assistant to the commander in North-West Metro Region,” Const Hoole said.

“I had previously worked for Queensland Police for three years, one of those years I worked in a range of administrative roles and the other two years as a police dispatcher and call taker.”

Const Hoole’s application was successful and he started working in the head office of NorthWest Metro Region in November 2020, where he was exposed to the many different facets of frontline policing.

“Working as a VPS employee provided me with invaluable experience and first-hand knowledge as to what goes on behind the scenes,” he said.

“I had always wanted to become a police officer, especially after working alongside them in Queensland, but working firstly in a support role with Victoria Police gave me the opportunity to understand the culture and values of the organisation.”

Const Hoole said his experience as a VPS employee made a notable difference when he went through the application process to become a frontline police officer and commenced his training.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Commander Mark Galliott, who managed Const Hoole during his time as a VPS employee.

“Working firstly in a VPS role enabled Caillan to better understand Victoria Police and develop a range of skills, which provided a great base to transition into a uniform role,” Cmdr Galliott said.

Const Hoole was inducted into a squad at the Victoria Police Academy in November 2022.

“You go into the Academy with 20 random strangers and, by the end of your training, you’ve made so many close friendships,” he said.

“The people are by far the best thing about this organisation.”

His work placements so far have included the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Footscray Police Station and highway patrol.

“When I was with Queensland Police, I was working alongside police investigating sexual offences and child abuse, which I thought was an area I would like to work in as a police officer,” he said.

“But since I’ve been out of the Academy, engaging with the community is probably the thing I have enjoyed most so far, as well as being able to help people.

“Even when you're going to a job and you're walking through a shopping centre, people wave at you and will have a quick chat.

“It’s my favourite part of the job – getting out there in the community, and not being stuck behind a desk 24/7.”

So, would Const Hoole recommend policing to those he worked alongside in the public service?

"Yes, it just makes sense, because VPS already demonstrate Victoria Police's values and they already understand how the organisation works," he said.

"You don't have to wonder if you're the right fit for the organisation, because you're already part of it."

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

You could be part of the team supporting the needs of the Victorian community every day. To apply, visit the Victoria Police website.