'I pivoted my career to be a police officer. Here's every question you have about my job, answered.'

For years Hannah was interested in a career change. Then in 2019 she made the leap and started the process of becoming a police officer. 

"I was in my late 20s and it dawned on me that I wanted more from my career," she said to Mamamia. 

Hannah did have experience in the industry beforehand, originally working as a public servant in a project officer role. But she was after a role that excited her. Challenged her. And being a police officer with Victoria Police was the perfect opportunity.

"I had experience working at Victoria Police, and after doing a lot of work alongside many police officers it gave me a really unique insight. It's not something I saw myself doing, so I decided to make the jump."

After applying, she successfully made it through the recruitment process and began training at the Victoria Police Academy. 

"It very doable," she said. 

And it was a positive experience as well, noting the sheer amount of gender and age diversity – the youngest person in the squad being 21, and the oldest 56. The majority were interestingly in their late 20s to mid-30s.

New Year's Eve 2020 was Hannah's first ever shift as a police officer. Ever since she's been absolutely loving the job.

Victoria Police is currently recruiting for police officer roles right now, providing meaningful careers that are filled with purpose, excitement and possibilities.

Image: Supplied.

So for anyone who has ever wondered about becoming a police officer, here are the questions Hannah receives most often – and her honest answers to them.  

What are some of the perks of being a police officer?

"There's so many! Paid training, the ability to diversify into different areas of policing, nine weeks of leave per year. You name it. The fact that you're paid a salary whilst you're at the police academy is great. And, the camaraderie you build with your colleagues is fantastic.”

What's one of your favourite aspects about being a police officer?

"It can be a challenge sometimes, but I love that you never really know what the day will bring or the work you'll be doing that day. Large parts of this role are reactive and you don't know what jobs you will be attending, or the people you'll encounter," Hannah explained.

"That's all underpinned by your ability to problem solve. I find that hugely satisfying, because in roles that I've held previously, yes, you have to problem solve, but it's not so immediate. It really develops your abilities and what you’re capable of in heightened situations."

What's the sector of policing you're most interested in?

"Currently, I'm a general duties uniformed police officer. I have aspirations to go down the family violence path. But that will still take a bit of time to get there."

What's one of the most rewarding experiences that comes to mind from your time on the job?

"Working to help people with mental health issues has been really eye-opening and fulfilling," Hannah said to Mamamia.

"We recently went to a call where a woman was having a hard time emotionally. We spoke with her for a few hours and a few days later, she sent an email to myself and my colleague thanking us for spending that time with her and looking after her. That made me feel as though all the hard work that gets done in this job does lend itself to helping people through their troubling times."

How did your loved ones react to you becoming a police officer?

"There was a little bit of surprise and hesitation because I don't think they anticipated it at all. Once I stepped them through it and explained the role and my passion for it, they were very much on board and got right behind me," Hannah said.

"I feel like they are pretty proud of me. Having people in my corner really helped me in my career change."

What's one of the biggest life lessons you've learned from being a police officer?

"It's increased my empathy tenfold. You get to know people from all different walks of life. And, you realise you really can’t make a judgement about someone’s life, or why and how they are the way they are."

What's the number one question you're asked by members of the public when they see you're a police officer?

"When we're on the job and assisting people they always say a big thank you before saying 'how do you what you do?'

"It's a question you receive quite often, or maybe they'll say 'I could never be a cop'. But you'd be surprised at what you're capable of once you actually just get in there and start doing it."

How do you tend to deal with some of the pressures associated with your work?

"Seeing what you're capable of in this line of work really builds your self-confidence. That and debriefing with colleagues who are going through the same thing certainly helps," Hannah said.

"It's not something you can really compare to any other job – it's definitely the most challenging and the most satisfying work I've ever had in my life. It's diverse, challenging and rewarding."

For people who are considering becoming a police officer, what would you say to them?

"If you're looking for a change or are a career starter, take the opportunity with both hands. We're recruiting for police officer roles right now. So for anyone considering a career change who might be on the fence – you won't know until you give it a go.

"If you had told me years ago that today I would be a police officer, I would have laughed. Now, it's the best decision I ever made. I'd do it again in an instant."

Explore the possibilities at Victoria Police. Check your eligibility and more about the recruitment process now. 

Feature Image: Supplied.