Evolution of Police Life

Editorial: Lane Mihaljevic

For 70 years, Police Life magazine has given readers an insight into what makes Victoria Police tick.

To mark the final print edition of the magazine, we took a walk down memory lane and put a spotlight on some of its defining moments.

1955: Where it all began

The inaugural edition of Police Life was published in May 1955, back when black and white publications were the norm.

In the words of former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Selwyn Porter, printed on the very first cover (below), "This little newspaper would find its way into the homes of members and friends of the force throughout the community” and eventually be mailed out to keen readers in “far corners of the world”.

For police members at the time, the magazine was one of few ways to catch up on news within the force — and for the Victorian community, it was a behind-the-scenes look into what life as a police officer was all about.

1964: Making history

In the first decade of the magazine, Police Life journalists reported on topics of all kinds — from successful operations and police member achievements, to advances and innovations that became part of modern policing.

In July 1964, the latest innovation was ‘stations on wheels’ — mobile canteens which had been repurposed into police vehicles (below).

Known today as Mobile Police Facilities, the vehicles provided Victoria Police with space to conduct examinations at crime scenes, discuss operations during major emergencies, or house police members on temporary duties in locations that didn’t have a police station.

In their first year, the portable stations not only became part of police operations across the state, but were also in use when thousands of concertgoers flocked to Melbourne to see The Beatles.

1973: Police Life in colour

In December 1973, Police Life published its first cover in full colour (below).

The cover showcased images from a Victoria Police Christmas card — featuring members at the Academy, on horseback, managing city traffic, and checking on livestock at a rural property.

1980s: In the frame

The 1970s might’ve brought colour, but the 1980s brought posters — and Police Life included one in every edition. They were a popular addition to the magazine, featuring members from all parts of the force, and adorned plenty of walls in homes and schools across Victoria.

In one poster (below), a police member catches a would-be thief in the act.

1994: New beginnings

In 1994, Police Life reported on a significant milestone for Victoria Police — a new headquarters which would see the force into the 21st century (below).

Located in Melbourne’s World Trade Centre, the Victoria Police Centre brought employees from CBD locations like William Street and Russell Street under one roof.

Twenty years later, the Victoria Police Centre moved to a different, purpose-built location in Docklands. And, of course, Police Life reported on that, too.

2000: Turn of the century

The new millennium was the springboard for change of all kinds within the force, including the introduction of new technology and establishment of world-class facilities, but age-old hallmarks of Police Life remained the same.

Popular sections of the magazine, which had been printed for decades, like ‘Out and about’ (below), continued on into the 2000s — giving readers insight into the day-to-day operations of police in different locations across the state.

2010: Entering the digital age

From February 2010, Police Life magazine became available online. Members of the community could still subscribe to receive a print copy but now also had the option to read it on the world wide web.

Going digital meant that people could read Police Life from devices anywhere in the world, and stories could be shared via newly-established social media platforms like Facebook.

2024: Here and now

In 2024, Police Life expanded its offering to include a podcast series, Police Life: The Experts, featuring true crime stories from our police, detectives, forensic scientists and more.

In 2025, Police Life will transition to a digital-only format, with the same great stories you’ve come to expect from the magazine available on the Victoria Police website.

Combined with the podcast, the new approach will help Police Life reach a wider audience, while still providing a valuable insight into our work and our people.