Like father, like daughter

When Constable Darien McDowell decided she was going to become a police officer, she was just five years old and had barely started school.

But after watching her dad graduate from the Victoria Police Academy, she knew she would follow in his footsteps.

“I came down to Melbourne to see dad graduate from the Academy in 2010 and, growing up, I watched him work at Bendigo Police Station, which was really inspiring,” Const McDowell said.

“So I’ve always known I wanted to be a cop, and I never changed my mind.”

Years in the making

After finishing high school, Const McDowell spent two years working at a roller-skating rink and as a bookkeeper, before applying to join the force in 2023.

She put her application in when she turned 20 and, within a year, celebrated two significant milestones – her 21st birthday, and completing her training to become a police officer.

“I actually had the intention of joining VicPol as soon I finished year 12 and turned 18,” Const McDowell said.

“But a few members I met at a career expo suggested I get some life experience first, and I’m glad I did, because I was able to work in different fields with people from diverse backgrounds and build up my communication skills before starting in the job.”

In June last year, she attended her second graduation ceremony at the Academy.

This time, not as a guest, but as a proud member of Squad 9 24-25.

And with dad, Sergeant Rod McDowell, in attendance to present her with her police badge – also known as a Freddie – the day was an emotional one for all.

“Presenting Darien with her Freddie was really special,” Sgt McDowell said.

“To tell you the truth, it was one of my proudest days in the job.”

From baker to police officer

Unlike his daughter, Sgt McDowell had a career spanning two decades before deciding he wanted to become a police officer.

“I was a baker in the Maryborough and Bendigo area for just over 20 years, and worked night shift for most of this time, which I really enjoyed,” Sgt McDowell said.

“Then I thought I better join the force before Darien [Const McDowell] does – or she’d start bossing me around at home and work!”

After spending his first few years as a police officer in Shepparton and suburban Melbourne, he moved up to Bendigo – an hour from his hometown Maryborough.

Now 15 years into his career as a police officer, and still stationed in Bendigo, Sgt McDowell wouldn’t change a thing.

Not even the night shifts, which he still enjoys working.

“I like the night shifts because you work with a smaller crew,” Sgt McDowell said.

“I also run the odd night shift competition, which gets everyone out on the beat and makes for a great week with a bit of banter.”

Following in dad's footsteps

While Const McDowell’s path to policing looks a bit different to her dad’s, it’s clear she shares his love for life in the country.

Having grown up around the corner from Bendigo Police Station, Const McDowell was rapt to be deployed to the area for her post-Academy placements, starting with one week on the van and then 19 weeks in general duties.

And because she’s been a regular at the station since the age of five, it didn’t take her long to settle in.

“I grew up in Bendigo and visited the station heaps as a kid, so I was fortunate enough to know people at the station when I started placement, which was really great,” Const McDowell said.

“I also got to see dad at work every now and again – when we weren’t too busy!”

While the pair didn’t work together closely, they did head out for a shift together, which was a special day for both.

“It was a really good shift. We arrested one, went on a foot chase, and conveniently, Darien left her bank card at home that day, so she got to have a couple of coffees on me,” Sgt McDowell said.

“But honestly, working alongside Darien and seeing her start her policing career has been so special. It brings out a lot of emotions because I suppose I’m really, really proud.”

And for Const McDowell, the experience was the perfect start to her career in blue.

“Most of my life, I’ve looked forward to going through the Academy and becoming a police officer, so getting to achieve that and work alongside dad is really special,” Const McDowell said.

Just the beginning

Now, having completed her placements, she’s busy working at Melton Police Station, with the goal of learning as much as she can in metropolitan Melbourne.

“Melton is a very busy station, so it has already expanded my knowledge as a police officer," Const McDowell said.

“I’m really fortunate to have been to a wide variety of jobs both here and in Bendigo.”

When asked about her plans for the future, Const McDowell said she “didn’t have any set goals”. But just like her dad, she knows what shifts she likes working most.

“I’m looking forward to the many different jobs and experiences that will come my way as a police officer, and I do like the idea of working in an investigative unit,” she said.

“But that said, I also love working the van – especially nights.”