Newest police recruits hit the beat in Wonthaggi

WONTHAGGI Police Station has a few new recruits who have recently joined the ranks, amongst them is Constable Hannah Carew and work experience student Lucas.

The Sentinel-Times sat down with Hannah and Lucas to chat about the force, their experiences and why they’d recommend it.

Newhaven College Year 11 student Lucas had the opportunity to step up and experience a day in each unit, as part of the local work experience initiative by Bass Coast Police.

“It’s been really fun,” Lucas explained.

“I’ve wanted to be a part of VicPol since I was really young. The opportunity came up and I instantly wanted to go for it.

“At school there was an interview system because a few people went for it, and I was lucky enough to get through.

“Every day I’ve been with a different unit – such as crime scene, highway, I’ve done a little bit of admin work and watchhouse as well. I really enjoyed Highway Patrol.”

Back to high school, Lucas is now looking forwards to finishing VCE, studying Criminology and then applying to the academy.

“Mum was excited for me and has looked into it all. It goes a bit deeper with extra knowledge (before I apply),” Lucas concluded.

A few years ahead of Lucas, 22-year-old Hannah jumped into a traineeship with Bass Coast Shire after finishing high school before stepping into a Police Victorian Public Service position.

“I got a job as a VPS for about three years down in the city,” Hannah said.

“Eventually, I felt like I was ready and applied for the academy.”

Finishing the academy on March 31, Hannah is finding her feet as she experiences the different divisions within Wonthaggi.

“I’ve only really worked on the van. The diversity of the different jobs you go to – there is obviously a lot of family violence and mental health – but each job is different.

“There’s different aspects to it, different circumstances and just dealing with different people and learning to communicate with them in different ways is really good.”

Similarly to Lucas, Hannah wanted to join from a young age – 10-years-old to be precise.

“One of the officers took us on an excursion to the academy in grade six and ever since that day that’s all I’ve wanted to do,” Hannah said.

Whilst differing experiences, both Lucas and Hannah agree the camaraderie behind the scenes is what makes it all worthwhile.

“It’s really refreshing, obviously the police have to be quite professional as part of their job in public, but once we’re all back here, it’s a really nice, relaxed feel – a community feeling, everyone gets along well,” Lucas said.

“At times, you go to some pretty hard jobs, but it’s good to be able to come back here,” Hannah added.

“The last couple of days we’ve gone to jobs and passer-by’s have stopped and said, ‘you’re doing a really good job’.

“It’s refreshing to hear from the community, because most of the time, we’re the bad people rocking up to a job, arresting someone or whatnot – so it’s nice when you get to a job and people are actually nice to you. It’s good to think that the community are appreciative of what we do.”

“Go for it” is Lucas’ advice for those wanting to apply for work experience, whilst Hannah’s advice is that “all you can do is just give it a crack” for those looking to join Victoria Police.

“For me, I applied when I was ready,” Hannah said.

“Heaps of people were telling me to just apply, but I think you’ve got to be ready.”

For more information on joining Victoria Police as a Police Officer, Protective Services Officer, Police Custody Officer or Victorian Public Service visit police.vic.gov.au/careers