Victoria Police is introducing a shorter academy training program in an effort to attract more recruits.
Starting in July, the new training program will take 25 weeks for new recruits to complete, down from the existing duration of 31 weeks.
It’s the first significant change to Victoria Police’s recruit training program in almost 15 years and is designed to bridge the gap between what recruits learn at the academy and their experiences when placed out on patrol.
The new program will be more practical and interactive, with a greater emphasis on receiving mentoring from experienced officers, while supporting victims, patrolling the community, responding to incidents and keeping the roads safe.
Training has been streamlined to reduce duplication and make better use of contemporary teaching methods with recruits discussing real-life scenarios and practising how they respond.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tim Hansen said the change would deliver police who are street ready and better prepared for the realities of modern-day policing.
“It’s crucial our training evolves as the demands of police continue to develop.
“That includes delivering content in a more engaging, interactive and impactful way to produce the best police possible,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Hansen said.
“The new program is recognition that while classroom learning is crucial for basic knowledge, the greatest form of learning occurs under supervision on the job.
“Importantly, it will also get qualified police to the frontline sooner where they’re so very much needed.”
For more information go to: police.vic.gov.au/police-officer-training.
