Cop that – policing a top career

Constable Andy Bajwa. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

There’s no such thing as a typical day when you’re on the beat.

Just ask Constable Andy Bajwa, who joined the Police force four-and-a-half years ago and works out of Werribee station.

Constable Bajwa, 28, first came to Australia as an international student in 2006 to study IT. By the time his residency came through, he had applied with Victoria Police.

“I came here when I was 17-and-a-half, didn’t have any family or friends,” he said.

“A lot of people who were not related to me, or hadn’t known me since my childhood, were always there to help me and support me … I had to find a way to give something back to the community.

“I was very close to my grandfather, and he was in the Indian army. I always grew up passionate about joining the defence forces or police force.”

Constable Bajwa, who hopes to become a detective for the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team in coming years, is currently working with the Community Safety Team. He loves the variety of his job.

“No two days are the same,” he said. “Yesterday we were having a chat with young kids at the Point Cook Town Centre, and the day before I was [executing] a warrant.

“It’s not a job – it’s a career.”

People interested in a career with Victoria Police can learn more at an information night at Encore Events Centre on Thursday, May 10, from 6pm.

Officers will provide on-the-job insights and answer questions.

Registrations are essential. Head to policecareer.vic.gov.au for more information.