Meet Senior Constable Louise Vink

“What I love about policing is the ability to connect with people on a completely different level.”??

It was Louise’s early career in hospitality that drove her to seek change and join Victoria Police in 2016.??

Personal attributes like compassion, a natural ability to get along with people, openness to change and a preference to work in a fast-paced environment provided Louise with key steppingstones when considering a career at Victoria Police, especially in her current role with the Public Order Response Team (PORT).?

“I worked in hospitality prior to joining, which made me realise that I like working with people. I thought I could affect a bigger change within an organisation such as Victoria Police, where there are a lot more career opportunities as well.”?????

“Our jobs can range from road policing, that includes hoon drivers, speed and general traffic offences, to crime such as burglaries, theft from and of motor vehicles and public order offences - drunks and brawls - all while assisting the local units when they are struggling. Our main specialty though is demonstrations and events.”?

No matter what task you take on, the focus remains the same - community safety and engagement. This was one of the main reasons Louise knew this job was made for her. Her most memorable day on the job was on a trip to the Eastern suburbs when she was still a trainee.??

“I remember being called out for a mental health job where a man was roaming the streets in distress. He was yelling and making quite a fuss. It was when he started yelling out in Swedish that I knew I would be able to assist him. Fluent in Swedish, I was able to chat with him and calm him right down, and safely take him to a nearby hospital to be checked by medical staff.??

“There are many different officers in the team that come from all diverse backgrounds that speak a range of languages. It’s a great tool to have especially when you are working with members of the public. They no longer see a police officer in front of them, they suddenly see a person behind the uniform.”???

Louise applied to Victoria Police after waking one morning and realising she was seeking change. After completing panels, she commenced her training at the Academy.????

“I remember when I got to the Academy, I was terrified at first. Especially around the older recruits and how confident they looked. I remember thinking - I really want to be one of those coppers one day."??

“And now whenever I go back to the Academy as Senior Constable the recruits are often nervous around me.”?

Since graduating, Louise has achieved so much, having worked across various areas including crime investigations, road policing, within the watchhouse and of course shifts out in the van, all leading to her latest endeavour at PORT.??

But her career does not halt there. Louise has her eyes set on becoming Officer in Command (OIC) and running her own station. An attainable feat.?

If you’re feeling the need for change and have a passion for people like Louise, it’s time to discover what a career at Victoria Police may bring to your life.??

Learn about PORT and explore the range of career pathways open to you after a period as a General Duties Police Officer.