Meet the new police officer on the block. Constable Aaron Bird is one of seven recruits who started at Sunshine police station two months ago.
The 27-year-old worked as a health and physical education teacher before deciding to join the force.
He had to do a series of fitness, health and psychological tests before being admitted to the Police Academy for a nine-month course that went through defensive-tactic training, the legal system and physical training.
He also trained at Prahran police station before being stationed at Sunshine.
“I liked teaching. I really enjoyed it, but I wanted at some stage to move over to the police force and I thought my mid-20s was a good time to make that move,” Constable Bird said.
He has already found that no two days are ever the same. He’s already been involved in a foot chase and a couple of arrests, and has been on the scene at a couple of car accidents. Working in the uniform branch, his day can involve driving around Sunshine in the police van, manning reception, or handling prisoners in the custody section.
Constable Bird will be stationed at Sunshine until August next year when he can apply to stay there or try out at another station.
“It’s pretty full-on out here,” he said.
“There’s a lot to learn and every day is a bit of a headspin; you learn something new every day.
“For now, I’m really enjoying the uniform. I just want to learn the job properly first; I don’t want to move into another field without having the confidence.
“I think CI [crime investigation] would be really good some day.”
