What led me here: police share their prior careers

This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Police Life magazine.

It takes all kinds

Constable Ebony Reinsma

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked in an administration role at the Royal Children’s Hospital medical imaging department for two years. Before that, I spent eight years as a dental assistant.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I’m really enjoying general duties for now. It’s fast-paced, and you never know what the day will bring.

Senior Constable Ashlea Anderson

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a primary school teacher for three years. I taught Grade 2 and Grade 6 during that time — at least I was taller than the Grade 2 kids.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I don’t know if I have a dream role, as there’s so many different areas to choose from. But if I had to pick, I would go to the Dog Squad — who doesn’t like dogs?

Sergeant George Chahda

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I spent 14 years as a specialist security operative in the private sector. I was also in the construction industry for a decade.

Why did you become a police officer?

I wanted to give back to the community and help people — particularly people from a multicultural background — to understand how our organisation operates.

Constable Katelyn Camillo

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a social worker.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I’ve loved every minute of general duties and can see myself staying in this area for a while longer. However, in the future, I aspire to become a detective and possibly join a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Senior Sergeant Peter Sambell

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I had a few jobs. I worked as a storeman as well as in retail. I also worked as a gymnastics coach, which usually causes many people to break out in uncontrollable laughter.

Why did you become a police officer?

I’d always wanted a job where I could help people. I’d started doing some community volunteering and that really cemented my desire to select a vocation that was community focused.

First Constable Anthea Nauta

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was a creative director in branding and marketing.

Why did you become a police officer?

I’m very nosy — I’ve always been interested in what’s happening and why it’s happening. I also love the career progression opportunities — you can pretty much try your hand at anything.

First Constable Corey Hatton

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I was in the Australian Defence Force, in the army as an infantry soldier. I am still currently employed as an army reservist.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I like the high stress and challenge of general duties policing, working in the small team environment where it’s you and your partner in the car making decisions to achieve a common goal.

Sergeant Iglay Dangassat

What did you do prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked at the Department of Justice as a records officer.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I enjoy supervising junior members and guiding them to reach their full potential. I also enjoy serving the community, and I challenge myself to always leave a positive impact. Being part of the Victoria Police African Employee Network is also a highlight. I helped implement a mentoring program to assist new recruits of African heritage to achieve their goals.

First Constable Kodie Spiekman

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked as a Victorian Public Service employee for Victoria Police for a few years initially at the Forensic Services Centre in the DNA Management Unit, and as a property officer at Frankston Police Station.

What area of policing do you most enjoy?

I enjoy investigations and catching crooks. I love that I can receive a report, put in some hard work, figure out how and why someone has committed a crime and then ultimately bring them to account for their actions.

First Constable Hayley Faulwetter

What was your job prior to joining Victoria Police?

I worked in administration in the petroleum industry. I wore many hats, from payroll and managing bank accounts and business expenses, to coordinating logistics for employees on nationwide business trips.

What’s your dream role at Victoria Police?

I would love to end up at the Missing Persons Squad or at a unit that investigates cold cases one day. This job is very diverse, so I intend to try out a few things and see what suits me best.

Looking for a career where you can reach your potential and make a difference?

You could be part of the team supporting the needs of the Victorian community every day.

Apply now.

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