Almost 200 Victorian Public Service employees are making the move across to the state’s thin blue line, following landmark recruitment changes announced by Victoria Police.
Adding a new weapon to its recruitment arsenal, Victoria Police announced in March that Victorian Public Service employees working at Grade 3 or higher would no longer need to sit the police entrance exam to join for police force.
The entrance exam exemption is part of an ambitious plan to speed up the State Government’s efforts to attract and train officers for around 1,500 Victoria Police vacancies across the state.
Applicants must still complete other elements of the police recruitment process including a fitness test, medical and psychological assessments and panel interview.
The change recognises the education, training and aptitude of people working in the public service, said Superintendent Paul Bertoncello, Recruitment and Deployment Division.
“We’ve made changes so quality applicants working in the public service no longer face unnecessary obstacles to starting their policing journey,” said Supt Bertoncello.
“For Victoria Police it translates to more recruits starting their training sooner and more rapid support for the hardworking frontline.
“There’s no doubt policing can be a tough job and it takes a special person to do it. We know many of those people are working in the public service. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a police officer, now is the time to apply.
“Policing is challenging, it’s rewarding and you are making a real difference in the community.”
As at 31 March, there were 103 Victoria Police Victorian Public Service employees and 83 VPS staff working in other government organisations who had received an exemption from sitting the police entrance exam.
Constable Kane Oman (pictured), 38, graduated from Victoria Police in October last year having worked in the Victorian Public Service as a custody nurse at the Melbourne Custody Centre. He had previously worked as a paramedic for 10 years.
“A big part of joining for me was being a voice for vulnerable communities – especially people with disability and the LGBTIQA+ community,” said Constable Oman.
“Policing is all about community. I’m striving to be one of those police officers who represents Victoria Police and represents the community. I want to be a voice and be proactive in assisting people.
“A childhood dream has always been to be a police officer.
“It’s actually been an easy transition for me because of my background, having worked in the public service.
“If you have a deep down passion for helping others and working as a frontline member give it a go.”
Victoria Police has introduced a 25-week academy training program which it says is among the most streamlined in the country.
The new program is more practical and interactive, with a greater emphasis on receiving mentoring from experienced officers, while supporting victims, patrolling the community, responding to incidents and keeping the roads safe.
The benefits of joining Victoria Police include pay from the day you start training, nine weeks paid leave a year and the opportunity to make a difference in the community. Probationary Constables receive a starting wage of $93,212 a year when baseline salary and core allowances are included, and excluding further allowances, overtime and superannuation.
Information on becoming a police officer is available on the Victoria Police website at police.vic.gov.au/police.
