More than a thousand recruits have joined Victoria Police in just a year as the force readies for a landmark recruitment event.
The Victoria Police Career Expo, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 13 April, will showcase the many career pathways working in policing can provide.
More than 2000 people are expected, with 800 signing up within just two weeks of registrations opening.
It comes as figures show 1025 police recruits commenced training at the Victoria Police Academy last year.
Already in the first two months of this year 161 recruits have begun their policing careers.
Next month’s careers expo will feature general duties police, including officers from regional Victoria, as well as specialist units.
They include the Air Wing, Dog Squad, Water Police, Search and Rescue Squad, Crime Scene Services, Road Policing, Public Order Response Team and Police Prosecutions.
Victoria Police’s recruitment team will be on hand to provide advice about the application process including preparation tips.
The medical advisory unit, including psychologists, will attend to address medical queries one-on-one.
Victoria Police is embarking on its biggest recruitment drive ever, with applications since January surpassing 1800.
While Victoria Police continues to look to people with life experience for much of its recruitment pool, it is reminding suitable younger people including those who have recently finished secondary school or taken a gap year they can also be considered.
Applicants no longer need to have completed the VCE and don’t need an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
The benefits of joining the force include seven months paid training, nine weeks paid leave and the opportunity to make a difference in the community.
Probationary Constables receive a starting salary of $75,604 a year plus allowances.
The upcoming expo is free but attendees are asked to register online.
Attendees can also learn about working as a protective services officer or police custody officer.
Further details can be found at police.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Inspector Ashley Wigg, Victoria Police Recruitment Division:
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to find out all a career in policing can provide.
“We’ll have general duties police and specialist units on hand to answer any questions attendees may have.
“Our recruitment team will also be there to talk you through the recruitment process.
“If you’ve ever thought about joining Victoria Police, now is the time to apply.
“Policing is rewarding, challenging and no two days are ever the same.”
