Victoria Police is combing through seven years’ worth of details it’s kept on people who’ve expressed interest in joining the force in a bid to draw out new recruits.
A mammoth recruitment drive over the coming weeks will see police reach out to more than 40,000 people who’ve previously registered for a careers information session or signed up to learn about the police fitness test.
Anyone who applied but missed out will also be contacted, as will those who withdrew applications.
The force is sorting through its files on people that have been in contact with them as far back as 2016, with thousands slated to receive an email or phone call to check whether their circumstances have changed.
The drive is a first for Victoria Police and coincides with a dedicated policing careers expo on Wednesday at Kensington Town Hall along with the university offers period.
The expo will be the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria Police recruitment division Acting Superintendent Charmaine Hosking said.
“We know these people have shown an interest in policing at some point, so it makes sense to check in,” she said.
“Life circumstances change, people’s priorities change and now might just be the time for them to pick up where they left off.
“Policing is a challenging, rewarding career, and we don’t want anyone to discount all it can provide.”
The start of the year was a great time for people to evaluate their career options and for police to get out and talk to those keen to join the force, Supt. Hosking said.
While police looked for people with life experience to fill many roles, younger people could also be considered for the force—especially if they'd done volunteer work, played community sports and demonstrated leadership qualities.
Younger people who'd also worked part-time—particularly in customer service—could also show they had an aptitude for policing, with completing Year 12 the minimum requirement for those aged under 21.
Applicants don’t need an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
Victoria Police launched a recruitment campaign in October, seeking more than 500 additional police and 50 protective services officers over two years.
A trial starting this month streamlines the recruitment process so applicants can complete exam testing online.
