It takes all kinds

Police Life visited the busy Melbourne West Police Station to ask some of its members their reasons for joining the force, what keeps them coming to work, and their aspirations for the future.

CONSTABLE EBONY REINSMA

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked in an administration role at the Royal Children’s Hospital medical imaging department for two years. Before that, I spent eight years as a dental assistant.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I’m really enjoying general duties for now. It’s fast-paced, and you never know what the day will bring.

SENIOR CONSTABLE ASHLEA ANDERSON

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a primary school teacher for three years. I taught Grade 2 and Grade 6 during that time — at least I was taller than the Grade 2 kids.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I don’t know if I have a dream role, as there’s so many different areas to choose from. But if I had to pick, I would go to the Dog Squad — who doesn’t like dogs?

SERGEANT GEORGE CHAHDA

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I spent 14 years as a specialist security operative in the private sector. I was also in the construction industry for a decade.

Why did you become a police officer?

I wanted to give back to the community and help people — particularly people from a multicultural background — to understand how our organisation operates.

CONSTABLE KATELYN CAMILLO

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a social worker.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I’ve loved every minute of general duties and can see myself staying in this area for a while longer. However, in the future, I aspire to become a detective and possibly join a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.

SENIOR SERGEANT PETER SAMBELL

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I had a few jobs. I worked as a storeman as well as in retail. I also worked as a gymnastics coach, which usually causes many people to break out in uncontrollable laughter.

Why did you become a police officer?

I’d always wanted a job where I could help people. I’d started doing some community volunteering and that really cemented my desire to select a vocation that was community focused.

FIRST CONSTABLE ANTHEA NAUTA

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a creative director in branding and marketing.

Why did you become a police officer?

I’m very nosy — I’ve always been interested in what’s happening and why it’s happening. I also love the career progression opportunities — you can pretty much try your hand at anything.

FIRST CONSTABLE COREY HATTON

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was in the Australian Defence Force, in the army as an infantry soldier. I am still currently employed as an army reservist.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I like the high stress and challenge of general duties policing, working in the small team environment where it’s you and your partner in the car making decisions to achieve a common goal.

SERGEANT IGLAY DANGASSAT

What did you do prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked at the Department of Justice as a records officer.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I enjoy supervising junior members and guiding them to reach their full potential. I also enjoy serving the community, and I challenge myself to always leave a positive impact. Being part of the Victoria Police African Employee Network is also a highlight. I helped implement a mentoring program to assist new recruits of African heritage to achieve their goals.

FIRST CONSTABLE KODIE SPIEKMAN

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked as a Victorian Public Service employee for Victoria Police for a few years initially at the Forensic Services Centre in the DNA Management Unit, and as a property officer at Frankston Police Station.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I enjoy investigations and catching crooks. I love that I can receive a report, put in some hard work, figure out how and why someone has committed a crime and then ultimately bring them to account for their actions.

FIRST CONSTABLE HAYLEY FAULWETTER

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked in administration in the petroleum industry. I wore many hats, from payroll and managing bank accounts and business expenses, to coordinating logistics for employees on nationwide business trips.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I would love to end up at the Missing Persons Squad or at a unit that investigates cold cases one day. This job is very diverse, so I intend to try out a few things and see what suits me best.

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 police.vic.gov.au/police