Consider a career with police force

Twenty three years ago, Baw Baw Highway Patrol sergeant Andrew Milbourne wanted a changed of career and with a desire to “help the community” decided to join Victoria Police.

As a local radio announcer, he was well known as Andy Johns with 3GG. But, he left his career in radio behind to pursue what he describes has been a rewarding career in the police force.

Sgt Milbourne’s story will be one of many from local officers who will address a Victoria Police careers information night in Warragul on Thursday night.

He urged anyone interested in joining Victoria Police to go along, ask lots of questions of officers who are at different stages of their careers and make an informed decision.

Sgt Milbourne has never looked back on his decision to join the force. He was 31-years-old at the time, so says he was a “late bloomer.”

But, he said that was the beauty of the police force, people of all ages could join from younger recruits to others who are older and have more “life skills.”

A sergeant for the past six years, he currently heads the Baw Baw highway patrol unit at Warragul. He also has been stationed at Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Sale.

Sgt Milbourne admits his passion was for road safety. He said as a radio announcer he was often involved in road safety talks and presentations at local schools.

“So it was a natural progression to go into road safety.”

He said that was the beauty of Victoria Police, police because people with horse interests could join the mounted branch or there were many other opportunities including investigations, crime scene, family violence and forensic.

“There are a lot of different pathways and you can move around into different areas.

“If you want to help the community, it is a great career. I wanted to be able to go out and make a difference but also have a bit of variety on my work.

“I could be in the office one day, or at a fire or a siege the next. I have stood on traffic patrol for hours and been at crime scenes… there is so much variety.

Sgt Milbourne said it was a big step to commit to the academy and training, but he had great family support behind home.

“At the moment they are looking for younger and older members but having some life experience does help.

“I encourage people interested to come along to the information night and ask lots of question

“But it does take a special sort of person. Obviously you have to have good ethics.

“You have to be trustworthy and ethical, not only for the community but also so you can trust and rely on your partner out on a job,” he said.

People interested in a career with Victoria Police can learn more about the career paths at an information night at the Warragul Sporting and Social Club on Thursday at 6pm.

Victoria Police staff also will detail the eligibility requirements and the recruitment process to help people prepare. Officers will be present to provide on-the-job insights and answers to these questions.

Registrations are essential at www.policecareer.vic.gov.au