There are only days to go until Victoria Police’s biggest regional recruitment event ever.
The Victoria Police Bendigo Careers Expo – at La Trobe University this Saturday – will give potential recruits an up-close look at the opportunities a career in policing can provide.
The Dog Squad is the latest unit to join the much-anticipated event, which will see more than 60 police on hand to answer questions.
They also include members of the Water Police Squad, Highway Patrol and Public Order Response Team as well as local general duties police and detectives.
More than 1500 prospective police are expected at the event, with Victoria Police especially keen to showcase the benefits of country policing.
They include a diverse and rewarding career experience as well as many lifestyle benefits including a work-life balance, community connection and lower cost of living.
Victoria Police offers seven months paid training, an annual starting salary of $75,604 plus allowances and nine weeks paid leave a year.
It can also provide a remote allowance for police working in specified regional locations and cover relocation and telephone expenses.
Additionally, taxation incentives are available which allow police working in remote areas to claim a portion of their rent, home loan interest and utilities.
The exhibition of Victoria Police units will be staged across the day and also include Police Prosecutions, Crime Scene Services and members from the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
Medical experts, fitness trainers and staff from the Victoria Police academy will field any questions one-on-one.
A panel of police will take part in three question and answer sessions talking about their experiences and what working as a police officer is like.
‘Come and Try’ fitness sessions will also be staged, simulating the actual police fitness test.
While Victoria Police looks for people with life experience for many of its recruits people who’ve recently finished secondary school or taken a gap year are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants no longer need to have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning but must be aged at least 18.
The Victoria Police Bendigo Careers Expo will run on 14 October from 10am-4pm.
The event is free but attendees are asked to register on the website.
For further information go to police.vic.gov.au/victoria-police-bendigo-careers-expo.
Quotes attributable to Acting Superintendent Ben Young, Victoria Police Western Region:
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the amazing opportunities a career in policing can provide.
“As well as local police we’ll have a range of specialist units from Melbourne on hand to showcase the breadth of career options within Victoria Police.
“Representatives from the Victoria Police Academy will also be there to talk people through the recruitment process and answer questions face-to-face.
“If you’ve ever thought about joining Victoria Police please get along on Saturday.”
