The search for 20 custody officers to join the Sunshine police station has begun.
As Star Weekly revealed earlier this month, Victoria Police aims to have the new officers working at Sunshine by June next year to ease the workload of uniform police.
Sunshine police’s Inspector Dave Byrt said the custody officers would manage prisoner movement and security in and around the station and Sunshine Magistrates Court.
Assistant Commissioner Rick Nugent said they were looking for recruits who were “committed to serving the community, can communicate well and are flexible”.
“Many police officers have already told us they are looking forward to custody officers joining their team because they’ll provide vital support,” he said.
“Custody officers have a diverse role. They will assist police officers in the transportation and supervision of people in police custody.
“They will search people coming into the cells, look after their welfare by organising medical treatment, meals and visitations, supervise them when attending court, and process bail.”
Custody officers will complete eight weeks’ training at the Victoria Police Academy and receive on-the-job training at a police station. Once they are in the station, they will be allocated a police supervisor and mentor.
Custody officers will join 22 police stations across the state, part of a three-year roll-out.
Recruitment information at www.policecareer.vic.gov.au/pco
