Victoria Police’s ‘most diverse squad yet’ graduates Academy

Three of Victoria Police’s newest constables have found their place in their squad thanks to the support of Jesuit Social Services’ diversity program – graduating last week as members of the Victoria Police Academy’s most culturally diverse group yet.

Twenty-four Academy graduates from 10 cultural and linguistic backgrounds were sworn in before their families and Victoria Police members, including Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, who told the graduates the organisation must engage with and listen to the community to effectively prevent crime and maintain peace.

“The professional, modern police force understands its communities,” he said.

“It reflects its communities, it works with its communities, it’s a part of the community. Our sworn powers come from the law and our real authority comes from the trust of the public.”

Prior to joining the Academy, three graduates – Constable Suntah, Constable Mwavita and Constable Husen, from Somalia, Kenya and Mauritius – completed the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment program, which is delivered by Jesuit Social Services in partnership with Victoria University, along with support from Steering Committee partners Africause, MatchWorks, AMES and Maurice Blackburn.

The program recognises the need for Victoria Police to reflect and represent the diverse community it serves and prepares participants to navigate the police recruitment process.

Over 15 weeks, participants attend three nights per week of classes, covering core topics in the police recruitment process – including exam preparation, First Aid, fitness, community engagement and more – and learn from mentors and guest speakers.

“The opportunity for participants to be coached by former Victoria Police inspectors, be taught by industry leading teachers at Victoria University and learn from their Victoria Police mentors and each other is unique to this program,” said program manager Kate Bonusiak.

“Jesuit Social Services recognises the web of relationships that surround and sustain our participants, and the importance of strengthening these connections to help people achieve their career and personal goals. Our participants will be an absolute asset to Victoria Police.”

Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported more than 230 participants from more than 50 cultural backgrounds, with more than 40 offers made to participants to join the Academy.

A further 10 are current students in the 31-week Academy course, and the program is currently recruiting First Nations applicants for the second Victoria Police Aboriginal Diversity Recruitment Program.

Constable Cian van Berlo, who spoke on behalf of the graduating squad, said graduates were committed to serving their communities with dignity and professionalism.

“We came together together from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, but we all had a common goal: to join Victoria Police and serve the community,” she said.

“To help others and to make a difference. We know this is just the beginning of our learning. We will lead with confidence and compassion and always strive to make a difference.”