BEHIND THE BADGE
ADAM WOJCIK
Nothing quite compares to being out on the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with that massive crowd on grand final day. I enjoy the buzz of game day and am lucky to be working while watching a game I love.
Rank: Sergeant Age: 32 Graduated: 2006 Station: Altona North Police Station
Police officers and goal umpires have shared attributes. Both jobs involve high pressure, leadership and the ability to make quick decisions.
What has been a memorable moment from your career?
Consider getting some life experience before joining. Being a police officer is a fantastic job, but it opens you up to some very interesting and not always pleasant situations. I joined at 22, after completing a university degree and I think having some experience of the world really helped.
A couple of years ago, when I was working at the Brimbank Highway Patrol Unit, I located offenders in a national park. The offenders ran off, and managed to get themselves to a nearby service station. They noticed a container truck with its doors open. They jumped in and hid there as the truck driver took off. The driver reached his destination in Epping, got out and opened the back of his truck. He was shocked to discover his two stowaways, but was quick enough to lock them straight back in and call the police.
My colleagues are extremely supportive, particularly during grand final week. What advice would you give to someone wanting to join Victoria Police?
What is the most challenging part of policing? For me, one of the most challenging things is dealing with critical incidents. Turning up to a road fatality or a suicide, you need to be prepared on how to deal with these. You don’t really appreciate how difficult these things can be until you see them face-to-face in your work.
You are also an AFL goal umpire and worked at this year’s grand final. Tell us about being a goal umpire and why you enjoy doing it? I have been a goal umpire for 20 years now, and have been doing it at the highest level, the AFL, for eight seasons. This was my second grand final. Editorial: Janae Houghton Photography: Andrew Henshaw POLICE LIFE | SUMMER 2016
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